Pictures: Eddie Whitham
AS Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today celebrates 70 years on the throne, the longest reign of any living monarch, Warrington Worldwide looks back on her first visit to Warrington in 1968, one of just four visits to the town.
The first visit was in May 1968, when she visited Bridge Street, which had undergone a facelift, with her visit captured by local photographer Eddie Whitham.
These rare colour photographs of her visit, captured by local photographer Eddie Whitham, show her Majesty pictured with Warrington’s Mayor at the time, Arthur Boyle and Raymond Broadbent, who ran Broadbents shop on Bridge Street.
Picture Eddie Whitham
Meanwhile today The Prince of Wales has tribute to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee for the “remarkable achievement” of reaching 70 years on the throne.
He welcomed his mother’s wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King.
He said he and his wife were “deeply conscious of the honour”.
The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, and is spending the day privately.
In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla would have that title.
Prince Charles said in a statement: “The Queen’s devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.
“We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish. As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.”
Picture Eddie Whitham
During her reign, the Queen has visited Warrington on four occasions – Full details below.
*Queen Elizabeth II is not just the longest-reigning queen living, but also the longest-reigning monarch living. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand previously held this title until his death in 2016. His rule of 70 years 126 days was the second-longest reign of a sovereign state in history.
Queen Elizabeth’s four visits to Warrington as longest serving Monarch
