The Queen has quite the busy schedule today as she is due to accept the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron later, before appointing Theresa May as the 13th Prime Minister of her reign.
But it was with her husband and grandson that Her Majesty began the day. The Royal duo travelled to Cambridge Airport this morning to open a new centre for East Anglian Air Ambulance, the base from which The Duke of Cambridge works as an air ambulance pilot.
It was expected they were to be shown around one of the helicopters by their grandson, Prince William, but an emergency call-out shortly before The Queen’s arrival meant William was back at base with just minutes to spare before the Monarch’s arrival.
The Royal party was met by the Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Sir Hugh Duberly and other dignitaries from the city and county of Cambridge, before Prince William greeted his grandparents with a kiss.
Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh were then given a guided tour of the Egerton-Smith Centre and briefed on the work of the air ambulance organisation. The air ambulance charity provides both doctors and critical care paramedics to incidents across East Anglia, also having the capability to swiftly and safely transfer casualties to the appropriate hospital for their needs.
The Duke of Cambridge was also able to give them a guided tour of the ambulance he flies, one of two dedicated helicopters operated by the charity. Following The Queen commenting he had only just made it back, the Prince admitted to his grandfather he had seen their helicopter as he was flying back in.
In addition to her grandson, The Queen and Prince Philip also met other crew, support staff and volunteers of the charity.
In addition to unveiling a plaque to celebrate her visit and opening of the centre, The Queen met Andrew Egerton-Smith who the centre is named after. Egerton-Smith is the founder and President of the Charity which supports the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Elizabeth was presented with a bouquet of English flowers (sweet peas, cornflowers and scabious) by 2-year-old Pepe Casanova whose life was saved thanks to fast treatment and transport in part by the ambulance service.
