A Touch of Royalty

Fifteen thousand people packed into York city centre for a hugely successful Maundy Thursday visit by the Queen last Thursday 5th April. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice of York on her first official engagement in the city, she was cheered by huge crowds at Micklegate Bar, the Minster, Mansion House and the Museum Gardens.

After arriving at York railway station, the royal party was taken to Micklegate and then travelled further to the Minster, where thousands of people (me among them), many waving Union Flags and carrying flowers for the Queen, gathered in the sunshine to see the royal party.

A massive cheer greeted their arrival before the Queen went on to present Maundy money to 172 elderly people - pensioners nominated for the honour for their service to the church and community.

A massive cheer greeted their arrival before the Queen went on to present Maundy money to 172 elderly people - pensioners nominated for the honour for their service to the church and community.

The Royals then posed on the steps of the Great West Door alongside the Queen’s Yeoman, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the Dean of York and flower children.
Following a reception in the Deanery, the party went on to the Mansion House for a civic lunch. The visit ended at the Yorkshire Museum where a new exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of York being granted a Royal Charter by King John.

(From York Press)

Altogether Her Majesty was in York no longer than 5 hours (she arrived by train and took off by helicopter!) and a few people complained that all of this was a waste of money and effort, especially because allegedly she did not devote enough time to parade (and talk) in front of the public. But I’m glad she came, she brought much happiness to the city, which makes a change from seeing loads of misery around in this very difficult climate. Also this much awaited event will have brought much needed cash to the city, as I presume most of the 15,000 visitors will have had lunch or tea and spent some cash in the shops while here.