Isle of Wight set for royal visit

This week may be a good one for people to jump on Wightlink ferries to cross to the Isle of Wight and enjoy the royal visit.

Her majesty the Queen and Prince Philip will be completing their Jubilee tour of the south-east with a trip to an island that has a strong royal connection, due to Queen Victoria using Osborne House on the island as a retreat during her 63-year reign.

The Isle of Wight Council has revealed she will sail across the Solent to the island amid a large regatta, on board the Motor Yacht (MY) Leander.

She will then disembark at Trinity Landing in Cowes, to the accompaniment of a 21 gun salute, with local primary schoolchildren singing and the queen then opening the port's new RNLI lifeboat station, alongside a formal blessing by the Bishop of Portsmouth.

This ceremony will include the launch of a new lifeboat and after this there will be a range of displays by youth and volunteer sailing organisations.

Lord-Lieutenant of the island Major General Martin White, commented: "It is a great honour to be welcoming Her Majesty to the island on the final day of her Diamond Jubilee Tour.

"I am looking forward to introducing the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to individuals and organisations that make valuable contributions to island life and I know come rain or shine - Islanders will give Her Majesty the warmest welcome on Wednesday."

This may be a particularly good time for visitors to the Isle of Wight to enjoy a taste of royal life.

Last week, it was revealed that Osborne House will be opening up the private beach used by Queen Victoria to the public.

Attractions will include the Alcove where she used to sit viewing the sea and write letters, as well as the curious bathing machine that she used to take to the waters without anyone being able to see her.

It was suggested to her by Prince Albert in 1846, as he was a big believer in the health benefits of bathing.

Posted by Andrew Smith

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