TODAY (Friday, September 8) marks one year since the sad passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The beloved monarch sat on the throne for 70 years before her death at the age of 96.
The King and Queen, who are staying at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, will attend nearby Crathie Kirk for a poignant event at the church where the late Queen worshipped.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit the Welsh cathedral of St Davids for a short private service as part of a trip to Pembrokeshire.
The King recorded a message and released a favourite photograph of his mother to mark the first anniversary of her death and his accession to the throne.
Charles, in words written, and audio spoken, at Balmoral Castle and recorded on Thursday, said he recalled with “great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us”.
He said: “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”
Remembering the Queen's visits to Wirral
The Queen made four visits to Wirral during her reign, which we detail below.
July, 11 1957 - The Queen's first visit to Wirral
BRITAIN'S longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth first visited Wirral in July 1957 taking in Wallasey as part of her tour of Cheshire.
She arrived at Wallasey Grove Road railway station on a rainy day on July 11 and was driven by Rolls Royce to the town hall.
Perhaps the Queen’s best remembered visit to the borough was when she opened the £35m Arrowe Park Hospital in 1982.
More than 3,000 people gathered outside the hospital’s main entrance on May 4 to watch as the Queen and Prince Philip toured the facility, as well as greet hundreds of excited staff.
June 24, 1971 - Queen's ceremonial opening of Wallasey tunnel
The 1.5 mile tunnel, which took five years to build, linking Wallasey to Liverpool, was opened by the Queen on June 24, 1971.
Large crowds turned out to watch the Queen’s ceremonial opening of the tunnel, which is now used by around 45,000 vehicles per day.
May, 4 1982 - Queen Elizabeth opens Arrowe Park Hospital
FORTY years ago the Queen was back on Wirral to open Arrowe Park Hospital.
Planning work to build Arrowe Park Hospital first began in the 1960s. The services of Birkenhead General Hospital in Birkenhead, Highfield Maternity Hospital in Wallasey and Leasowe Hospital in Leasowe were consolidated into one brand new hospital at Arrowe Park. Building work started in the late 1970s and the Royal ceremony was held to mark the opening on May 4 1982.
More than 3,000 people gathered outside the hospital’s main entrance on May 4, 1982 to watch as the Queen and Prince Philip toured the facility, as well as greet hundreds of excited staff.
One of those present on the day was Beryl Dare, from Pensby, who described it as a “magical” event.
She said: “To see the nurses lined up in their new uniforms as they greeted the Queen was marvellous. The corridors were lined with flowers and there was even fillet steak on the lunch menu.”
To mark the 40th anniversary the hospital presented a history display in the foyer of the hospital with memories and photos from the day.
There was also be an opportunity for members of the public to sign the giant anniversary card that was set up in the main reception area and a special 40th anniversary flag flew atop the hospital.
December 2011 - Visit to the Floral Pavilion
HUNDREDS of people lined the streets to welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Wirral when the Royal couple arrived to officially open the Floral Pavilion.
Around 500 people turned out to wave their flags and cheer.
The seaside resort's flagship regeneration of the pavilion got the royal seal of approval as Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque and took a tour of the theatre.
And waiting outside were crowds of well-wishers, some of whom had been there since early this morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of the monarch.
Among those lining the promenade was seven-year-old Poppi Richardson, from Greasby, whose mum Samantha saw the Queen when she was a child.
Poppi said: "I really hope she shakes my hand and says ‘hello’ to us. I can’t wait to see her, I’ve got some flowers to give to her so I hope she likes them."
Also celebrating the visit was Kay Hamilton, 73, who was excited to see the royal couple.
Kay, from Wallasey, said: “I have waited 59 years for this day and I cannot wait to see her today. It made my day when I found out she was coming to New Brighton. I have been here since before 9am this morning because I wanted to make sure I had a good view of her.”
During the visit, the Queen and Duke were treated to a special performance by the theatre’s in-house choir, the Choral Pavilion and students from St Mary’s Catholic College.
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