Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire prepares for the Royal visit

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, has expressed his delight at the upcoming Royal Visit by Her Majesty The Queen.

Buckingham Palace has announced that The Queen, who is also the Duke of Lancaster, will visit Lancaster Castle on Friday 29th May.

The visit marks the 750th Anniversary of the creation of the Lancaster Inheritance. In 1265, King Henry III granted land to his son, Edmond, beginning what would become the Duchy of Lancaster.

Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, who is The Queen's representative in Lancashire, will officially greet Her Majesty when she arrives in Lancaster and escort her during the official visit to the castle and a number of private visits to Duchy estate-owned farms in the Myerscough area.

He said: "I am delighted to be able to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to Lancashire to mark the 750th Anniversary of the creation of the Duchy of Lancaster Inheritance.

"I'm sure that people will want to turn out to witness this wonderful occasion for themselves, which will take place in front of the majestic John O'Gaunt Gatehouse. Those wishing to see the visit in Lancaster should be in the area in front of the castle by 10am.

"Lancaster Castle is undoubtedly one of the historic treasures of our wonderful county, so this should be a very memorable occasion."

The Queen last visited Lancaster in 1999, when she visited the castle to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Royal Charter, decreeing that the Duchy of Lancaster should be held separately from all other Crown possessions and should descend through the Monarchy as a private estate.

During the visit a number of roads will be closed and barriers in place to allow the Royal Party to arrive and depart safely and to allow visitors the chance to welcome the Queen.

People will be able to see the Royal car from a pavement or other suitable area along the A6, as it travels to the Duchy estate farms.

Lord Shuttleworth added: "Many organisations are working closely together to make sure that the event is a wonderful occasion for the city.

"There will need to be some changes to local roads during the Royal Visit, but we hope that people will be understanding during this special anniversary event."

Lord Shuttleworth was a Member of the Duchy of Lancaster Council for 17 years, and served as Chairman for seven years.

You can find out more at www.lancaster.gov.uk/queens-visit.

For more information about the Duchy of Lancaster visit www.duchyoflancaster.co.uk.

Notes for Editors: About the Duchy: The Duchy of Lancaster is a private estate owned by The Sovereign, as Duke of Lancaster. The rural estate consists of 18,454 hectares of land in England and Wales and comprises commercial, agricultural and residential properties, the majority of which are in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. Additionally the Duchy has a significant commercial property portfolio largely in the historic Savoy area in London, a portfolio of financial investments, and a small urban residential portfolio.

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
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