Queen In Caernarfon After 35 Years

The Queen is beginning her first visit to Caernarfon, Gwynedd in over three decades.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh she will today visit Caernarfon Castle.

This castle was the location for the investiture of The Prince of Wales in 1969.

But the Queen was actually last in Caernarfon in 1975 when she presented colours to the Royal Welch regiment.

The Queen will return to the steps of the newly refurbished Queen's Gate, as well as visiting the Welch Fusiliers Museum at the castle. There will also be a meeting with volunteers in Conwy later.

Caernarfon Mayor Hywel Roberts said he is looking forward to greeting the Royal party at the castle, before the Queen moves on to Dinas, Bangor, and Llandudno.

He said: "As Deputy Constable of the Castle I shall be delighted and honoured to welcome them to the castle and be privileged to show her round."

It is an "extremely important day" for Caernarfon, providing a huge boost to both the town and the local tourist trade, added Mr Roberts.

Ahead of the visit some anti-monarchy posters had been put up around the north Wales town.

Mr Roberts said he was "sad" some have chosen to take such a negative attitude.

He said he "fully accepted" that there are people who were not in favour of the monarchy.

But he said they were in the middle of a general election and a referendum on giving more powers to the Welsh assembly will follow.

"These are positive things for people to concentrate on," Mr Roberts added.

Later the royal visitors will take the Welsh Highland Railway train to Dinas station where a plaque unveiling naming a locally built observation car will take place.

Their trip will continue with a reception and lunch with students and staff at Bangor Business School.

The Queen and Prince Philip will also see a performance and meet groups of local volunteers at the Venue Cymru Theatre and conference centre in Llandudno, Conwy.

On Wednesday the visit will move to Powys, where the royal couple will meet farmers.

(LB/BMcC)