Lacock welcomes Her Majesty The Queen Consort

Lacock was proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen Consort to the village today as she visited St Cyriac's Church to plant a commemorative tree, visited the National Trust shop and several local businesses.

On arrival Her Majesty was met by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Troughton who introduced civic guests including the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, the Chairman of Wiltshire Council, the Chair of Lacock Parish Council, the Bishop of Bristol, the Chief Constable, and the Director General of the National Trust.

At St Cyriac's Church, Mr Patrick Wintour, Deputy-Lieutenant introduced Her Majesty to Revd Dr Andrew Johnson, Revd Mary Gubbins and Revd Sally Wheeler. Further introductions were also made to representatives from the Friends of St Anne's Church, Bowden Hill who are involved the restoration of the church, and those from the Parochial Church Council.   

Outside, Her Majesty planted a Hawthorn tree as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative. This is a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, then accompanied Her Majesty on a short walk through the historic village. Her Majesty first visited OLIV in East Street which makes and sells hand poured candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. The Queen Consort then continued into the High Street  meeting staff and volunteers at the National Trust shop, including Sonya McMillan, General Manager and Mark Street, Senior Estate Manager at Lacock.

Finally, Her Majesty visited the Lacock Village Shop, Deli and Post Office. Children from the Lacock CofE Primary School and the Wise Owls Pre-School cheered and waved flags on the departure of Her Majesty and two children presented a posy.        

Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, said: We feel privileged when a member of the Royal Family visits Wiltshire. It was wonderful to welcome Her Majesty The Queen Consort to Lacock, showing her around this historic and picturesque village.

It was also pleasing to see another tree planted as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative. I am proud of the many single trees, avenues and woods planted in Her Majesty's memory.

Finally, a big thank you to the whole community and especially to the children who so enthusiastically welcomed Her Majesty, and I'm sure it's a day they will remember.

Hilary McGrady, Director General National Trust said: It was a joy to be a part of welcoming Her Majesty The Queen Consort to Lacock village today, and I'm delighted that she could visit the National Trust shop, meeting with some of our staff and volunteers.

The shop is very much part of the fabric of historic Lacock village and we're privileged to be neighbours to wonderful local businesses, craftspeople and artists, some of whose work we stock. National Trust shops make a huge contribution to our charitable work as every penny is reinvested in making sure that places of nature, beauty and history are looked after for everyone, forever.