THROUGHOUT the years, Gloucestershire has been lucky enough to enjoy a number of Royal visits, including from Her Majesty The Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II paid a number of visits to Slimbridge Wetland Centre first as a Princess and later as Queen and Patron of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. 

Following her death we’ve taken a trip down memory lane to look back on when the Queen visited the wetland centre near Stroud. 

When did the Queen visit Slimbridge? 

She first visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre, as Princess Elizabeth before her Coronation.

The Queen and Prince Philip, were friends of WWT founder, Sir Peter Scott, and his wife, Lady Philippa Scott, all sharing a deep passion for wildlife and conservation.

Stroud News and Journal: (From left to right) Former director general of WWT Dr Myrfyn Owen, the Queen, Lady Philippa Scott and Prince Phillip (From left to right) Former director general of WWT Dr Myrfyn Owen, the Queen, Lady Philippa Scott and Prince Phillip (Image: Newsquest)

This close association included Sir Peter painting the Queen’s portrait when she was still Princess as well as several visits to Slimbridge with Prince Philip, including one occasion where they stayed overnight at Sir Peter’s home. 

In her role as WWT’s Patron, the Queen also opened different areas of the grounds at Slimbridge.

In 1988, she and Prince Philip opened the Yuen Peng McNeice Observatory overlooking the site’s wildlife-rich Rushy Lake.

Stroud News and Journal: The Queen with WWT founder Sir Peter Scott on 12 February 1988.  Credit J Leach WWT The Queen with WWT founder Sir Peter Scott on 12 February 1988.  Credit J Leach WWT (Image: Newsquest)

The now King Charles III became Patron of the WWT in 2016 and has also visited the centre numerous times.

Sarah Fowler WWT chief executive said: “Her Majesty’s deep sense of service to her country and lifelong love of nature will stand as a lasting legacy. 

“WWT is very fortunate to have benefited from this over many decades and we are hugely saddened by her death.

“We have many happy memories of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we hope these recollections can provide comfort for our supporters, staff and volunteers during this very sad time.

“Our thoughts are also with our Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, as he builds on his mother’s exceptional legacy as our new monarch.” 

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people and has a centre in Slimbridge. 

Photos by WWT and J Leach.