The Queen is guided along the route in Valentines Park as part of her Redbridge visit

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Ilford visit - Queen meets Redbridge schoolchildren and Boris Johnson’s verdict

Thursday, March 29, 2012
12:22 PM

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have made a historic visit to Redbridge to mark the Diamond Jubilee..

The Queen and Prince Philip visited Valentines Mansion and Gardens in Ilford this morning - their first stop as part of a Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK.

They were given a rapturous reception by packed crowds who lined a route leading to the mansion.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has already given his thumbs up to Redbridge’s Royal occasion.

He said: “It’s fantastic the Queen has come to Redbridge to launch her Diamond Jubilee tour.

“I think Redbridge Council has put on the most amazing display.

“It was brilliantly organised and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

And he jokingly asked how Redbridge had managed to get the sun to come out.

The couple arrived at around 10.38am and made a short walk past well-wishers to reach Valentines Mansion.

There they went on a tour of the building with Redbridge Council leader Keith Prince.

There was another loud cheer as they walked out of the mansion and into a marquee showcasing art work by the borough’s schools.

One of the pieces she viewed was a canvass of her profile made by Ilford County High pupils.

It was made from postage stamps from throughout her reign.

The Queen was asked by one of the pupils if it looked like her.

As she turned sideways, she said: “It does if I move over here.”

Along with Prince Philip, she also toured a marquee with items from Redbridge Museum including a television from the 1960s.

They were drawn from throughout her reign. She said: “How times have changed.”

The Queen unveiled a plaque in the dry garden which was made for her visit.

After crossing to the barriers to speak to visitors and receive flowers, she and Prince Philip left at around 11.15am.

They are visiting Waltham Forest and Harlow later today.

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1 comments

I thought the Queen's visit was brilliant but was almost heartbroken when a little old lady came up to me afterwards asking me if id managed to see the Queen and what was she wearing, there should have been an area where some of the OAP's or wheelchair users could sit away from surging crowds, I showed the woman a picture from my camera, and she said she was pleased she came although she hadn't seen the Queen as it may have been her last opportunity to see her which near broke my heart!! Especially as a lot of older people tend to be more patriotic as well, really felt for the poor woman.

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francesrobyn

Thursday, March 29, 2012