60 Years in the North West The Queen and I

It's a love affair that began 60 years ago and shows no sign of

ending. A unique bond between a monarch and her subjects. As we'll

discover, it's a bond that binds this region to the Crown like no

other. Through triumph and tragedy, the Queen's influence is felt by

all and affects so many in different ways. There's nobody like

her. I can't describe her, she's wonderful. Her Majesty is a very

gracious and wonderful monarch. was like meeting a grandma, it was

exciting because she's the Queen of England really. She's loved and

admired, not only in this country, but throughout the Commonwealth,

even throughout the world. This isn't just an important moment for

the BBC, visits like this are a crucial part of the Queen's legacy

NEWSREEL: The tour began on Wednesday 13th April at Morecambe,

the holiday resort where, from early morning, the crowds began

began to gather. This is one of the earliest visits the Queen made to

the North West. The year is 1955, the weather not so good, but the

smiles were on on parade. They always rfplt we are known for our

love and affection up here. We like to show it when Her Majesty is in

town. For some, a show of affection Colin Edwards is a man with a

mission, today he is hoping to meet the Queen in Manchester. I'm taking

two cameras with me today. That is a film camera, this is the digital.

Also important, sandwichs. It is a long wait behind the barrier.

is no stranger to royalty. He has been Royal watching for the last 30

years. He has met the Queen 140 times and taken 6,000 photos of her

and her Royal Family. She knows my name. She knows I lived in

Macclesfield for many years. I met her in Manchester once, when I

lived thrsm I said, "I haven't had very far to come to see you today".

"you don't live far from here, do you"? Colin is hoping to get close

enough to the Queen to give her the first photograph he ever took of

her outside the same town hall 30 years ago. There is no guarantee he

will succeed. He has to be one of the first to get there and choose a

spot where he hopes the Queen might walk by. It's going to be a long

day, and a nervous wait for Colin. Now, if there is one thing a

monarch likes better than messing about in boats, then it's launching

them. We have certainly risen to the challenge here over the years,

especially the good folk of Barrow. It started with a boat called,

Oriana, in 1960, then Britain's first atomic submarine. I name this

ship Dreadnought, may God bless her, Ladies and gentlemen, please

welcome Ken Dodd. This little old lady goes to the doctor. She said -

doctor can I have more sleeping pills for my husband. He said, why?

She said, he's wocked up. Dodd's been the King of comedy

almost as long as the Queen's reigned over us. Their paths have

crossed many times, especially here in the North West and Ken has many

fond memories. She is a gracious and wonderful monarch. She is

always very kind, very patient, complimentary and makes you feel

relaxed. She's a wonderful lady. The amazing thing about meeting the

Royal Family, the amazing thing is how they find something to say to

everybody. They find fresh things to say to each individual. It's

amazing. When you are standing in a line to be presented, say at the

Royal Variety Show, you can hear them coming along. They say

something different to each and every artist. I think that's

amazing. # Happiness, happiness... #

The Queen booked him for a private Christmas party at Windsor Castle.

They have the orchestra and other artists as well. I can remember Her

Majesty the Queen was sitting the same distance you are now, in a

chair, something like this, with arms on, and I can see it now in my

mind. I did my usual jokes. I finished with a song called

happiness. I could see the Queen's hands going, beating time on the

arms of the chair. I thought that was so charming. That was wonderful.

That is in my mind ever since. That is my favourite picture of Queen

Elizabeth. # I've got more than my share of

happiness. # Now, this is said to be one of the

most beautiful areas of Britain. The scenery here is breath taking.

This part of the Trough of Bowland around Whitewell is a triumphant

celebration of the very best nature has to offer. What many people may

find striez surprise something that the land around here belongs to the

Queen. To find out why, you have to take a step back through time and

history. We go back to 1399 to Henry IIII who came back to retake

his inheritance. When he came into the country after being banished he

was encouraged to take the throne as well, which he did. He passed a

charter which said that the Duchy inheritance was to be kept entirely

separate from Crown lands and Crown Estates. We work on the same

principle even today. We refer back to that charter. After a visit to

the town hall, Her Majesty made her way uphill towards the castle.

Queen is herself the Duke, isn't she? How does that work, how can

she be a Duke? We toast her as the Duke of Mats Lanner. Queen Vic tore

ya felt she couldn't be the Duchess, as Queen she was the highest she

could be in the country. If she was a Duchess she would be beneath a

Duke. So, she's a Duke. Duchy of Lancaster provides an income for

the Queen and we maintain the assets for the longer term so that

there are always available to provide an income for future

generations it's like a trust. The private income, the reason we look

for private income is so the monarch doesn't have to rely upon

the Government and the state to rely on all of her income. The

Whitewell estate is fantastic. When you go to Whitewell and you come

over the hill and look down that valley, it's God's own country.

It's fantastic. Very, very beautiful. The Duchy's now a valued

source of income for the Queen. 60 years ago it generated about

�100,000 a year. Times move on, last year the Duchy raised nearly

�13 million. It's understandable then that the Queen take as special

interest in her lands here. We own from a rural point of view we have

around 11,500 acres. That is split into four main estates. Mainly

along the A6, surprisingly enough. We own Lancaster Castle, that is

well-known to a lot of people. We have commercial investments so we

have an industrial estate in Manchester, which is all part of

the county palatine of the Duchy of Lancaster. There are other assets

spread outside that county. Queen take as detailed interest in

what happens in our part of the world? How closely does she monitor

the goings on of the North West? have regular board meetings. She

doesn't attend board meetings. Our Board is called a Council, she is

aware, she is provided with papers through the keeper of the privy

purse. When she comes to visit the estate she knows what's going on

and has a keen interest in all things Duchy. Does the Queen have a

particular affinity for the North West because of the office of the

Duchy? That's inevitable. We have been around for such a long time.

There has been a direct linkage between the monarch and the North

West for over 600 years. To that extent, obviously, it's a special

Back in Manchester, Colin's made sure he has arrived early. There is

nearly five hours to go before the Queen's here. Colin has been able

to find a front row spot and a friend to show his photos too.

Are these the photos you are telling me about? Yes. 30 years ago.

There is no know if anything he will be in the right place at the

right time if the Queen goes on a walkabout. After all these years,

I'm not really blah day about it. I get a buzz when she comes over to

say a five minute walkabout at the most. She could speak to several

people, take flowers and photographs from me and a couple of

my friends. And, you know, just a few words and it's well worth the

effort in travelling, expense you go away on cloud nine. A wonderful

feeling really. I have met her many times in the North West and there's

always a very warm reception for her and the Duke of Edinburgh. I

think they enjoy coming north. People in the south are a bit more

blah day blsh blaza they don't make as much fuss about Royal visits in

the south. When they come north they can be assured of a very warm

welcome. The Wallasey Kingsway Tunnell is now a vital link between

Wirral and Liverpool. It's hard to think what life was like without it.

To do that, you have to rewind the clock to June 1971 when the Queen

arrived to open the tunnel and provide Betty morris with a day she

will never forget. Is that the actual hat? Yes it is. It still

fits you. Betty is 91 and she has the out fit that she wore the day

when she met the Queen. Back then her husband, Tom, was Mayor of

Wallasey and Betty the mare es. On June 24th their list of Mayoral

engagements that day was the opening of the Mersey Tunnel.

Queen came especially to us to open our tunnel. I declare the second

Mersey Tunnel open and name it This was a big deal to us.

Liverpool was a big place. They Tell me what it was like the day he

met the Queen. Very frightening. I I bought an outfit, I went to

London to buy it. The limousine comes to get you, and then you are

driven down to the tunnel. I was so frightened. I cannot remember

whether I wanted to curtsy with this foot or this foot. Then you

are put in place, and a limousine comes and you are scared stiff. It

is coming towards you, and she gets out, with her entourage, and

suddenly it's your turn to meet her. It is just like... I cannot

describe her, she's wonderful. She was like, or forget it, how are

you? So she is down to earth? is no one like her, except my

mother, of course. The Queen get some warm welcomes

here, but this was with music loyalty, as the Beatles came back

to open Liverpool Airport. To take years later, in 2002, so Paul

McCartney returned to watch the Queen open and rename the airport

as John Lennon Airport. He even brought along some of his paintings

A lovely lady, Jubilee year. Proud Wonderful for her to come to

Liverpool today. I think she's The Queen and Duke, at Ambleside on

Lake Windermere, where a small patient from the hospital presents

As far as we know, Her Majesty does not suffer from hay fever. Just as

well because every royal trip seems I we are so proud of her, it has

been a lovely moment in her life that she will never do again,

probably. Most of us will never get to meet

the Queen, but for those who have done, it is a moment that stays

Back in 1987, Kelly Smith had her date with royalty. She was just

seven years old and was chosen to present the Queen with roses when

she came to open the Burnley Mechanics.

This is a picture of you with the Queen. What do you remember about

the day? I remember everything, to be honest. Getting ready in the

morning. My mum took me to the hairdressers to have my hair done,

with red white and blue ribbons put in it. I had a matching dress as

well. And you kept it! That is gorgeous. Is that why you mum

picked the dress because of the colours? I think so. It was 1987.

Is the memory crystal-clear even today? It is. I share the memory

with the children when I work, I work at a community college. And

when you first media seven, I often take photographs to show them. They

say, I don't believe this! I say, this is evidence, it is me! She has

the photos, Ind 8, and that dress, but it turned out she had never

seen herself meeting the Queen, so we waved a magic television want,

and we took her 25 years back in Aww! Bless! Is it we're seeing

yourself? What do you think? remember speaking to her and it

seemed to be for ever, but it went like that. Thank you for that. I

can show this to the kids at school now. And the concentration and that

curtsey! I was concentrating very hard.

Meticulous planning goes into royal visits to the region, but

occasionally things do not go to plan, like this windy trip to

Weeton Barracks in 1990. She was to present the new colours to her

Lancashire Regiment. All that would remain was for the Queen to give

her speech, but the microphone did not work. And that Macclesfield in

2002, this caused quite a stir. It gave a new meaning to the Royal be.

Among the crowds that met the Queen at the Metropolitan University were

200 demonstrators. There was a hostile reception from some

students in 1996, who are protesting about cuts to student

grants, but that did not stop them In the north-west we know how to

throw a big party, back in 1977 we pulled out all the stops for the

Queen's Silver Jubilee. It seemed They will be dancing in the street

once again for Her Majesty as the Jubilee excitement builds. One of

the street parties will be in Devonport Road and Blackburn. It is

being organised by beauty therapist Razia Anwar, who wants to pay her

own tribute. I see myself as a British national, this is my home.

And the flag in itself, for me, promotes unity. The Queen has

always been present in the background while I have been

growing up, through the media you get to know what is happening with

her royal duties. She is a great matriarch of her family, of the

nation, and she has done an immense job with 60 years on the throne,

and it would be nice to recognise that with holding a party with

neighbours, with the community and just bringing back the great

The Queen's arrival in the north- west this week has been a highlight

of the diamond jubilee celebrations. The crowds who turned out in

Accrington, Burnley, Warrington, Chester and Liverpool showed the

warmth and affection this region is known for. I am delighted to be in

Burnley at the start of this Jubilee tour of the north-west of

England. Over the next two days, Prince Philip and I'll look forward

to to seeing the hospitality and dynamism that this part of the

North of England is rightly We are the luckiest children in the

This is very exciting. She is an icon for. It is a fantastic event

for the public. She has been doing wonderful job -- a wonderful job

I thought she looked very beautiful. It is just brilliant sighting.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 73 seconds

was brilliant. -- it is just very Back in Manchester, Colin is just a

face in the crowd and his face is teetering on the brink of disaster,

as the Queen seems unsure about doing a walkabout. Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! Flowers! The royal car is on the move, and for a

moment his plans looked to be in Your Majesty! Some flowers for you.

She is coming! Suddenly the Queen looks across at him and hits his

way. -- hence his way. It is so lovely to see. A very warm welcome

to Manchester. We have made many times, and may I tell you that I

met you for the first time here 30 years ago today. Not today, in May.

You went to Coronation Street and did a walkabout with his Royal

Highness. Look! 30 years ago, I had so many happy memories sins. There

is Prince Philip with you. I treasure those very much indeed. I

would like to give you these. This one was taken in King's Lynn. This

is you and his Royal Highness in winter Wonderland. God bless you.

Thank you very much indeed. Three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen!

For Colin, a day of Royal Watch and has come to a spectacular end.

was wonderful but it was so quick. For a horrible moment I thought she

was going to go straight to the car, but she came over. We were just so

lucky. He has gone home a happy man. It is always worth it. I will never

It has been an extraordinary six decades. Here is to the next. We