COVERING the Queen’s visit to Worcester to open The Hive in 2012 remains one of the proudest moments of my career, writes Observer editor Rob George.
I remember the buzz in the news room in the spring when the news was confirmed, the Queen would be coming to Worcester in July.
While details were sparing for security reasons, we knew she would be opening the Hive before a lunch for local community groups and good causes at the Guildhall.
It was the summer of the Olympic Games – though we didn’t know of James Bond’s plans for the Queen’s spectacular entrance to the stadium at the time – and so it was amid that excitement we gathered outside The Hive, waiting for that first glimpse of our monarch.
The low hum of chatter and the excitement of the city’s youngsters gave way to an initial awe-inspired silence as the Queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, appeared.
A warm summer’s day greeted the couple as they made their way towards the entrance of Worcester’s brand-new library, I’ve often wondered what Philip in particular made of its golden roof!
At this point I made the journey to the High Street, leaving another reporter to follow the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh around The Hive – at a respectable distance of course.
While the crowds had gathered in their thousands another unwelcome visitor began to build up in the form of storm clouds.
A downpour ensued, just as my fellow reporter was informing me the Queen and Prince Philip would be on the High Street in minutes. ‘Not today’ must have been a thought shared by so many as the rain poured. The Royal car slowly wound its way past the shops and as it stopped opposite the historic Guildhall, so did the rain.
Her Majesty stepped out of the car to cheers from a rather damp audience and seconds later I was stood less than 10 feet from the Queen.
I was struck she was actually shorter than I expected but awed by the opportunity to see the Queen in person.
During the lunch in the Guildhall the sun burst urgently through the clouds to ensure when the Queen emerged, the heart of Worcester was bathed in warm July sunshine.
Both the Queen and Prince Philip then went on their traditional walkabout during which I enquired after the Duke of Edinburgh’s health as he had recently come out of hospital.
While he graciously answered ‘fine, thank you’ it was with a look which said my ‘interview’ was over!
After both he and the Queen made their way to Worcester Cathedral I spoke to some of those who chatted to them during the walkabout. No-one was left disappointed, there were so many beaming faces, from seven to 70-year-olds and everyone in between.
I’ll always remember the little boy helped over the barriers by Philip himself to present his flowers to Her Majesty.
While the weather didn’t always play ball on the day, it was a day the Queen brought the sunshine to Worcester
