Queen Elizabeth II would have been 100 today. It is a milestone she never managed to reach in life, but is still one being marked today by a nation she helped to shape.
Today we take a look back at some of her many visits to our region through her reign.
Those that met her often spoke of her informality and friendliness. She was aware of her duty as monarch but was also a passionate supporter of groups and individuals who were doing good.
And her famous walkabouts with crowds of wellwishers brought her in contact with members of the public, who for a moment or two had their own personal moment with the Queen.
King Charles was today marking the anniversary of the Queen’s birthday privately, although the milestone has been marked by important announcements that will help to cement her place in history.
It was announced the King will be the Royal Patron of a new charity commemorating the late Queen.
The independent Queen Elizabeth Trust will offer grants for UK communities to develop and regenerate shared spaces.
It is one of three projects honouring Elizabeth II’s legacy that were being formally unveiled today.
The Government is making a one-off £40 million endowment to start the projects that could include developing underused buildings, green spaces and neighbourhood hubs in UK communities. Money will also help offer access to skills and training required to put on local events.
Sir Damon Buffini, chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust, said: “I’m honoured and excited to have been chosen as the founding Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust to help guide its direction from the start.
“This is a real chance to support communities across the United Kingdom and bring shared spaces back to life: places where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, connect, and belong.”
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee spent two years engaging with groups across the UK to form the charity.
Lord Janvrin, chair of the committee, said: “I hope this new charity will encourage people to remember the life and service of the late Queen by recognising the importance she attached to strengthening that sense of engagement and belonging amongst local communities.”
The other two projects being announced today to commemorate the late Queen are the National Memorial landmark and gardens in St James’s Park, and the Digital Memorial tribute to her life and service.
It has also been revealed historian Anna Keay will be the Queen’s official biographer.
Ms Keay will be able to talk to members of the royal family and the late Queen’s friends and household when researching the book, and she will have access to her personal and official papers held in the Royal Archives.
It was reported last weekend that the King wanted a female author for the task and the academic was in talks for the prestigious role.
Don’t forget to share your memories with us in the comments.
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1. Shrewsbury, 1949
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip (the Duke of Edinburgh) during a visit to the Royal Show at Sundorne, Shrewsbury, in July 1949. The Princess, later Queen Elizabeth II, is pictured in conversation with the Mayor at the borough boundary. | Shropshire Star
3. Sutton Hill, 1967
17 March 1967 — A royal visit to Dawley New Town, where the Queen met Mr and Mrs G. Dawes outside their new home on the Sutton Hill estate, just days after they moved from West Bromwich. | Shropshire Star
4. Shrewsbury, 1967
The Queen opens Shirehall in Shrewsbury in 1967, marking the official opening of the landmark civic building. | Shropshire Star