The centre of Romsey was packed this morning (Friday) for the visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh.

The Royal couple arrived at Romsey Abbey by black Bentley for a special service to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the town receiving its royal charter.

At the Abbey they were met by Romsey mayor Mark Cooper and inside met Romsey vicar Canon Neil Crawford-Jones - officiating at one of his last services before his retirement next week - and the Bishop of Southampton the Rt Rev Paul Butler.

After the service the Queen unveiled a plaque, designed by Rod Hoyle, at the charter stone watched by a crowd which included Gary Breeze, the sculptor, who had carved the stone.

At the stone the Queen, wearing a pale blue outfit and matching wide-brimmed hat, accepted a posy presented by Hannah Beck, a pupil at Romsey CofE primary school.

The Queen and the Duke then went on a "walkabout" back along Church Street and through the Market Place. The Royal couple accepted flowers and greeting from the crowds as they made their way to the Town Hall.

Outside the Town Hall Mayor Mark Cooper made a speech of welcome to the Queen and Lord Brabourne, High Steward of Romsey, presented her with a copy of the charter.

The Queen and the Duke then attended a short reception in the Town Hall where they met member s of the town council and representatives from local organisations.

Following the reception they returned to Broadlands, home of Lord and Lady Brabourne, to plant a mulberry tree just as King James I had done on his visit to the town in 1607.

This was the Queen's first official engagement in Romey for many years and visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the royals had begun taking up their positions on the roadside as early as 8am.

The waiting crowds were entertained by Michelmersh Band who played from beneath a canopied podium in the corner of the market place near Lloyds TSB Bank. Music was also provided by the For Chord's Sake, a Winchester barbershop quartet.

See more pictures and an extended report in the next edition of the Romsey Advertiser on June 15.