HM The Queen & Prince Philip MANCHESTER April 2007

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh attending the Royal Maundy at Manchester Cathedral in April 2007.  

Photographs Copyright: Paul Ratcliffe

HM The Queen, TRH Prince Philip & Princess Beatrice YORK April 2012

In her Diamond Jubilee year, HM, The Queen , accompanied by TRH Prince Philip and Princess Beatrice of York, visited York Minster for the Royal Maundy.  

With the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and Dean of York there to welcome them. The Royal party paused on the steps of the Minster for the official photograph of the day. 

Later that day they visited the Yorkshire Museum.

Photographs Copyright: Paul Ratcliffe

Procession of HM The Queen Mother's Coffin LONDON April 2002

                                       

Following her death in March, 2002, The Queen Mother's Coffin was taken in a procession to Westminster Hall, London, where it was to lie-in state.  

I was on Horse Guards Parade, a place so connected with royal events, to witness this day.  It was, and always will be, one of the most memorable royal events I have attended.  The Crown on top of her coffin, with her family and staff walking silently behind her, alongside the sounds of bands and pipers. 

Her Senior Page, William Tallon, is seen in the procession with other members of her Household Staff.

Afterwards I queued up for hours to file past the Coffin in Westminster Hall. As it was my turn, the guard changed, and the Yeoman of the Guard took up their positions to guard beside the catafalque. For a moment i was stood beside the coffin of the Queen Mother in silent tribute. The way the coffin was lit in the Hall was very atmospheric and etched many memories in the minds of those who were there.

Some of the floral tributes outside Clarence House, and the statue of her beloved husband, King George VI, which stands on 
The Mall.

Photographs Copyright: Paul Ratcliffe

Queen & Prince Philip MANCHESTER March 2012

As part of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee tour, the Queen and Prince Philip arrived at Manchester's Victoria Railway Station that March. Greeting them were well-wishers and a band. 

Later they drove to the Town Hall for a lunch.  

The royal party had arrived on the Royal Train, pulled aptly by an engine called 'Diamond Jubilee'

Photographs Copyright Paul Ratcliffe