The Queen arrives at Hatfield House

ROYAL watchers got a treat as Her Majesty the Queen visited Hatfield House today (Thursday), as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.

The Queen plants a Diamond Jubilee tree

Union Flag-waving crowds had already started to gather outside Hatfield House several hours ahead of Her Majesty’s arrival just after noon, following visits to Hitchin and Stevenage earlier today.

A crowd of around 2,000 including schoolchildren and teachers and waiting dignitaries thronged Hatfield Park eager to catch a glimpse of the monarch.

When she arrived it was near frenzy and a sea of red, white and blue, as Her Majesty emerged from her car resplendent in a lilac double wool crepe shift coat and a lilac, green and yellow floral print dress designed by Stewart Parvin.

The fashion-conscious Queen’s matching hat was designed by Rachel Trevor-Morgan

She was greeted by Lord Salisbury and the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and went on to meet a delegation from Welwyn Hatfield and Hatfield Town Councils, including Welwyn Hatfield Council leader John Dean and chief executive Michel Saminaden.

She also met Hatfield Town mayor Caron Juggins and Welwyn Hatfield mayor Helen Bromley.

After greeting well-wishers she planted a tree to mark her 60 year reign and, on seeing the sapling, she said: “What a wonderful tree.”

As she filled earth around the tree trunk she was serenaded by a choir and was treated to more music courtesy of a steel band from Hatfield Steelers.

Following the tree planting Her Majesty was presented with flowers by pupils from three different primary schools – St Philip Howard in Hatfield, Essendon and St Mary’s in Welham Green.

The Queen smiled broadly and seemed to be enjoying her visit immensely.

Following the outside engagement she then headed to a more intimate drinks reception at Hatfield House, which proudly flew the Royal Standard to mark her presence.

Inside, she eschewed her lilac coat as she greeted other dignitaries at the reception in her honour, before enjoying a lunch at the stateley home.