ON Elizabeth Windsor’s first “official” visit to Oxford in May 1948, one of her first greetings was a surprise encounter with ‘Mr Testudo’ the tortoise – the Oriel College boat club mascot.
Since, then Her Majesty has been everything from visiting monarch meeting members of the WI to open Denman College, in Marcham, to a proud parent watching Prince Charles play polo at Kirtlington Park, north Oxfordshire, in1968.
She even stopped to pick up a copy of the Oxford Mail at D & J Bromilow Newsagents in Berinsfield in 1997.
Experience Oxfordshire’s head of marketing and development Martin Walker said: “There’s always been a huge buzz and sense of unity in the community when Her Majesty comes to visit Oxfordshire.”
Although it was not until 1960 when the Queen made her first official visit to Oxford as ruling monarch, her first royal appearance is one not to skip over.
Strict security makes it nearly impossible for an intruder to get up close to Her Majesty, but at the Oriel College in 1948 a four-legged mascot made its move.
The then heir to the throne was greeted within minutes of her arrival by the college’s tortoise boat club mascot, who slowly made his way on to the lawn in front of her. The picture made newspapers all over the world.
The next time Elizabeth was to visit Oxfordshire was as the Queen in 1960.
Before this, royals visited Oxford for official business with the University but Queen Elizabeth II asked to include a visit to Oxford Town Hall to meet with the civic heads.
She had a tour through Witney through flag-waving crowds, a stop-off to see the Heythrop Hunt and was shown gloves made at Woodstock for Queen Elizabeth I, to which she said “My word, they are large.”
Since then the Queen has met with the many chancellors or University heads including a procession through Trinity College and lunch in 1960, and later several visits to Christ Church and Brasenose College.
The Queen has also played her part in inspecting military parades, including troops at St George’s Barracks, Bicester, in 1965, RAF Abingdon in 1968 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the air force, several times at RAF Brize Norton and at RAF Benson during 50th anniversary celebrations.
The 1990s saw a royal visit to Radley College, Abbey sports centre in Berinsfield and the Bodleian Library.
Heading into the 21st century, the Queen has opened several organisations including Falklands House in 2000 with a posy-clad crowd in Oriel Square, computer company Sophos at Abingdon Science Park in 2004 and Oxford Castle in 2006.
During one of the most recent visits, the Queen attended a Maundy Thursday service at Christ Church cathedral and handed out traditional Maundy Money purses to pensioners.
Thousands have gathered to greet the Queen when she has visited the county and would no doubt agree it is about time for another Royal visit. And what better reason than for her 90th birthday this summer.
Mr Walker added: “We’re really excited for the whole county to come together and celebrate.
“Here’s hoping she can squeeze in a visit to the county again soon."
Double Celebration
The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year: her actual birthday on April, 21, and her official birthday on a Saturday in June.
Official celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s birthday have often been held on a day other than the actual birthday. The Queen usually spends her true birthday privately, but the occasion is marked publicly by gun salutes in London and Windsor.
On her official birthday, there will be the Trooping the Colour parade which moves between Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horseguards’ Parade. A street party along The Mall on June 12 will welcome thousands of people to celebrate the milestone birthday.
Get in touch
HIGH Sheriff of Oxfordshire Tom Birch Reynardson said: “Obviously there is a huge sense of excitement when the Queen comes to Oxfordshire and she does a huge amount to lift people’s spirits in all sectors of life.
“In our very small village in South Oxfordshire we will join up with our next door village to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with a church service and then have a big lunch for everyone who lives and works in the villages.
“The birthday celebrations are a great opportunity for everyone to relax together and have some fun.”
If you are having a special event to celebrate HM birthday, contact naomi.herring@oxfordmail.co.uk
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