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Queen Camilla greets crowds in Northumberland town

PA/Owen Humphreys A beaming Queen Camila outside the gates of the abbey in a grey suit greeting a crown of children in colourful coats in the rain. Many are waving the Union Jack and there are adults in the background taking photos on their phones. PA/Owen Humphreys
Queen Camilla meeting flag-waving children after a visit to Hexham Abbey

Queen Camilla was greeted by large, flag-waving crowds during a visit to a Northumberland market town.

The Queen, 77, carried out a number of engagements in Hexham including meeting well-wishers in Beaumont Street.

She also visited the racecourse to officially open the Queen Camilla stand, as well as visiting Hexham Market.

Wearing a pale-blue Bruce Oldfield outfit and a horseshoe broach marked Minoru, which was a horse owned by Edward VII, she said the racecourse was one of the most "beautiful" she had ever visited.

PA The Queen in a grey suit holding a clear plastic umbrella with a rain coat draped over her shoulders. There are crowds behind barriers behind her. There are jars and baked goods on a table in front of her. A man and woman in military uniform are standing behind her. PA
The Queen greets market stallholders following her visit to Hexham Abbey

The Queen held a clear umbrella during an afternoon of showers.

After officially opening the stand, she said: "How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham.

"I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse.

"It has the most wonderful views.

"Unfortunately, I didn't bring the weather with me, I can imagine what it is like on a sunny day because it looks pretty good on a day like this."

The solo engagement comes just over a week since King Charles III and the Queen's visit to Canada to formally open its 45th Parliament.

Royal fans Bartley Graham and Kerry Evans who are wearing fan attire with Union Jack flags and fancy dress accessories.
Bartley Graham and Kerry Evans arrived early for the visit

The Queen spoke to racing industry figures including trainer Charlie Brooks, who said afterwards: "She is very engaged in racing issues and, without putting words in her mouth, is understanding of the challenges - she knows her stuff."

Robert Whitelock, racecourse manager, showed the Queen around the site and said: "It is wonderful that she came up here and I think she is delighted about the stand being named in her honour."

Two people who arrived early in Hexham to ensure they could get the perfect view were Royal fans Bartley Graham and Kerry Evans.

Ms Evans said she had received "quite a few letters" from the Queen.

"I sent her a birthday card once and she wrote a lovely message back saying 'none of us are getting any younger dear'."

PA The Queen standing in front of a brightly lit Hexham Abbey altar. Beside her is a member of the clergy wearing glasses and dressed in red. There are flowers on a table. PA
Queen Camilla also visited Hexham Abbey as part of her busy schedule

Hexham last welcomed the Royal Family in 2018, with a visit by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles.

Leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson said the Queen received a "great Northumberland welcome".

"This is an honour not just for Hexham but all of the county and we are delighted the Queen has chosen to visit this beautiful town," he said.

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