Whitehaven MBE reflects on the Queen's visit to Whitehaven after her passing

Queen Elizabeth was the longest reigning Monarch in British history and over this summer celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. 

For so many of us this will be a major loss as she had been our leader for longer than any of us can remember. 

READ MORE: MPs from Cumbria pay their tributes to HM The Queen

Here at The Whitehaven News, we wanted to look back at the Queen's most recent visit to Whitehaven in 2008. 

A we look back we can see how crowds gathered as The Queen and the late Prince Philip visited our town and harbourside 14 years ago. 

The Queen is greeted by school children (Image: Richardson's)

Gerard Richardson, MBE and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, said: "We're witnessing truly historic times at the moment, it's incredibly sad for the Royal family and the country. But I think it's a show of strength for the Monarchy and this country that we've gone from the passing of one Monarch to the start of the reign of another in the blink of an eye. 

"It's one of the things I absolutely adore about the Monarchy, it's an institution that is envied across the world, you only have to look at tributes pouring in from leaders everywhere to show the respect and the warmth that the Queen was held in. I think that's something that should comfort everyone, even the Royal family, it's a time of loss but also a time of pride."

The Queen receives a bouquet of flowers (Image: Richardson's)

In 2008 Whitehaven was celebrating the 300th anniversary of one of the market charter's given to the town. 

In the years previous Gerard had written to the Monarch requesting a visit and it was that year he was visited by the Lord Lieutenant saying that she would be visiting Whitehaven. 

A big event was planned with schools from across the area invited and it was later announced that the Duke of Edinburgh would be attending with her. 

The Queen walked around the harbourside greeting people and accepting flowers from children. She then visited The Beacon as it was reopening after being recently renovated. 

An RAF jet also flew over the town whilst the local vicar at the time gave a small speech. 

Her Majesty The Queen has also visited Whitehaven on a number of other occasions, in 1956 she came to open the Civic Hall and was greeted by the happy towns folk. 

The Queen opens the Civic Hall in 1956 (Image: Richardson's)