Gallery: Thousands Gather In Ely For Visit Of The Queen
THOUSANDS of well-wishers gathered outside Ely Cathedral today (Thursday) as the Queen paid a royal visit to the city. Her Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Ely Cathedral to attend special anniversary celebrations marking 900 years
THOUSANDS of well-wishers gathered outside Ely Cathedral today (Thursday) as the Queen paid a royal visit to the city.
Her Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Ely Cathedral to attend special anniversary celebrations marking 900 years of the Diocese of Ely.
The Queen was welcomed upon arrival by the Bishop of Ely Dr Anthony Russell, as well as a number of local dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire. Mayor Richard Hobbs and Chief Constable Julie Spence.
Wearing a knee-length orange coat and matching hat, the Queen arrived outside the cathedral at midday where she was greeted by cheering crowds who had been gathering outside the cathedral's West Door since early morning.
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Thousands of local residents also gathered on the palace green opposite the cathedral to catch a glimpse of the royal party, with hundreds of union jacks waving enthusiastically in the high winds.
The Queen, who made the journey to the city by scheduled train, was preceded by the Duke of Edinburgh who arrived by car and stopped to talk to local schoolchildren before heading into the cathedral for a short service.
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After prayers of thanksgiving and the singing of the national anthem, the Queen and Duke were invited to sign the cathedral guest book before heading outside to collect posies from St Mary's Primary School pupil Ellen, and seven-year-old Eleanor Wallace from the King's Acremont School.
Mayor of Ely, Richard Hobbs said: "It was a brilliant occasion, it was my first official time being presented to the Queen and I was delighted that this occasion coincided with my term in office."
The Diocese of Ely has been celebrating its 900th anniversary with a programme of events across the county since January, when celebrations were launched by Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
The Bishop of Ely Dr Anthony Russell, said: "The Diocese's 900th anniversary celebrations have had a number of real highlights this year and the visit of the Queen is certainly another of those, her visit was a wonderful occasion and we thank her for attending our service today.
