Sun and smiles for the Queen (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sun and smiles for the Queen

THOUSANDS of people from around the county waited in glorious sunshine to welcome the Queen to Gloucester for the traditional Royal Maundy service on Thursday.

The Queen has attended the Maundy service in different Anglican cathedrals on all but four occasions since she came to the throne in 1952.

This is the first time the service has been held in Gloucester and residents and workers turned out in force to mark the historic occasion.

Arriving in their maroon Bentley, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by a sea of Union flags waved by crowds of well wishers.

During the first part of their immaculately-timed visit, the royal couple went on a walkabout from Westgate Street to the cathedral in College Green, stopping to talk the crowd - many of whom had waited hours to welcome the royal visitors.

At the end of the half-hour walk, the Queen waved goodbye to onlookers before being met outside the south gate of the cathedral before the 11am service.

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