Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022
Many great and fine words have already been spoken about Her Majesty's exemplary life of duty and reign of 70 years. For many people she has always been a part of their lives, but even for those who have known her for just a few, her passing, at the age of 96, is a sad event. It is only fitting that we add a few more words on this Watford Website.
Queen Elizabeth II visited the Watford area a number of times during her long and glorious reign.
Her first visit was as Princess Elizabeth when she visited the Herts Show in Cassiobury Park in July 1946. This was the first Hertfordshire agricultural show following the amalgamation of the Herts, Tring and Watford events.
The Queen's second visit to Watford was a brief stopover in Christmas 1962 when she alighted the royal train at Watford Junction, received a brief loyal greeting and then left for Windsor by car.
In 1977, Her Majesty celebrated her Silver Jubilee and in that year she visited Rolls Royce to present a Queen's Award for Industry.
The Queen visited two schools in the Watford area in the 1980s, Parmiter's School in 1981 and the Royal Caledonian School in Bushey five years later.
In May 2010 Her Majesty opened the Joint Headquarters Building in Northwood where she toured the premises and met operations staff.
With thanks to the Watford Observer and Watford Museum
Books of Condolence are currently available to sign at Watford Museum and the Town Hall. Flowers may also be let at the Peace Memorial.
St Mary's Church is also open for quiet reflection.
St Mary's Parish Church - Photograph Lynda Bullock
Long Live the King
If you have any memories of Her Majesty's visits to the area and would like to share them, please add them in the Comments box at the foot of the page.