I was a very proud Mummy this morning. Lily’s year were selected along with some other children from local schools to greet the Queen and Prince Philip on their visit to celebrate Ely Cathedral’s 900th Anniversary.
They must have been standing out there for nearly 2 hours, and it was really windy and cold and they were all so brave. I got there with Lily’s digital camera (which is annoyingly better than mine!) only to discover that there was no battery – argh! So I have to take all these pictures on my iPhone. I’m hoping some of the parents in the crowd managed to get some better photos than I did.
The kids were entertained by the local police, filmed by the local news, had their pictures taken and apparently Lily was interviewed by Heart FM radio station! I’ve not been able to track it down though, I’d love to hear it. So they had a whale of a time!
The video above shows how tight security was. We were told about the trip and the kids being involved at the last minute and there were police everywhere, something our very small City is not used to! But they did a very good job, on what looked like a massive operation.
Prince Philip arrived first and came over to talk to the children. Lily says he spoke to her – I actually caught it see above! But she can’t remember what he said – kids! 
Finally the Queen arrived but because of the cold and wind she was ushered straight into the Cathedral, while all the children cheered. Later one of Lily’s classmates gave the Queen a posy from all the children at their school, it must have been a lovely moment for her and her family. I’m so proud of all of them!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Probably a good thing she can’t remember what Phil said to her… the poor child might be traumatised!
How fun for Lily!!
Such an exciting event for them and that first image is fantastic!!
xx
callie
What a cool experience for Lily and the children.
What a nice experiance I hope that she remebers. Dont they all look sweet with their flags. I have an award for you over at mine.
Hi,
Great photos. I hope your daughter and you had a lovely time. The bottom photo on here has my Mum at the edge of it. They were unable to take any photos of their own of the occasion and I wasn’t able to be there, so I am trawling the internet to try to find any with them on. I know it’s cheeky to ask, but I don’t suppose you could please email me a copy of this photo and if you have any taken just before this? My Mum is in the blue hat and my Dad was the other side.
Thank you so much.
Rebecca
Thanks everyone for the lovely comments! x
Rebecca, no problem at all! I’ve just emailed you three pictures I took. I hope you’re Mum and Dad like them
Oh I’m such a traditionalist…am cooing at that lovely photo with the children flying the flags. They must have been so good standing there for such a long time. When the Queen came to Bury for the Maundy Service, I cycled into town to join the crowds, but by then they’d stopped all cars going down Eastgate St into Angel Hill. I couldn’t help feel paranoid at cycling down on my lonesome with my Waitrose bags-for-life in my shopping basket…past all the security men…and acknowledging that the marksmen higher up also had their eyes on me. Security is definitely tight when Her Majesty comes to town.