DISPLAY CASE

The Queen and Berkshire

The Freedom of the Borough bestows freemen with ceremonial roles at civic events. This scroll is signed by the Mayor and Town Clerk of Windsor. It is stored inside its original presentation box with an emblem of the letter E and a miniature crown on the lid. For more information about this document, please see the May 2022 Highlight.

Photograph of a visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II to Bisham Abbey

Reference: CPC19/18/1

In April 1974, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead was formed. To mark the presentation of the Charter, Queen Elizabeth II toured the new borough by river steamer from Hurley to Windsor, visiting riverside parishes along the way, including a visit to Bisham Abbey on Friday 18 October 1974. She was greeted by representatives of Bisham School, Bisham Parish Council, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bisham Abbey, the Lord Lieutenant and pupils of Bisham School.

Photographs of Queen Elizabeth II visiting the Women's Institute tent at the Royal Counties Show in Windsor

Reference: D/EX2007/17/3/3/3

This photograph shows Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visiting the Women’s Institute tent at the Royal Counties Show in Windsor in 1961.

Queen Elizabeth II and Cyril G. Stowe M.D., Mayor of Abingdon, watching the bun throwing from the top of the town at the Quarter Centenary celebrations of the Borough of Abingdon

Reference: D/EX2468/7

Bun throwing is a longstanding local tradition in Abingdon used to commemorate significant events. Buns are thrown from the top of County Hall to the crowd below. This photograph was taken during Quarter Centenary celebrations of the borough in 1956 and marked 400 years since Abingdon first received a royal charter in 1556.

Photograph of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst

Reference: D/EX2109/2/3/1

Queen Elizabeth II was at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst for the occasion of the presentation of the colours to the Royal Military Academy. She carried out an inspection and delivered a short speech.

Programme for the presentation of colours to the Royal Military Academy by Queen Elizabeth II

Reference: D/EX2109/2/7/2

The presentation of Colours to the Royal Military Academy by Queen Elizabeth II ceremony on 30 May 1974 included a parade and an inspection before the old Colours were marched off and the new Colours were presented on piled drums. The Queen then gave an address to those present. The new regimental Colours included the RMAS motto: ‘Serve to Lead’ and the Chaplain-General announced the Colours act as an ‘abiding symbol of our duty towards our Sovereign and our Country’.