ROYAL VISIT BRINGS BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT TO THE STREETS OF OMAGH
Royal visit brings buzz of excitement to the streets of Omagh
THE Royal visit brought a buzz of excitement to the streets of Omagh on Tuesday.
It may have been a cold wet and blustery day but the weather did little to dampen the spirits of all the well wishers who turned out hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen and the Duke.
Approximately 2,000 people, ranging from babies to grannies, turned out to welcome the Royal visitors, many of them waving Union Flags and carrying bouquets of fresh flowers.
Because the visit to Omagh was not officially confirmed many people turned up not quite sure if there was a Royal visit or not, while others found to their surprise that they were witnesses to a very important event in the history of Omagh.
Amid tight security the royal entourage arrived in spectacular style at precisely 12.05pm outside the Library Headquarters,
The flag-waving crowd cheered loudly as the Royal Party travelled past in a navy blue Range Rover, bearing the Royal Standard which was flanked by 11 motorcycle outriders plus seven official cars.
Both the Queen and Prince Philip waved to the waiting crowds before entering the library, where they met with local communities groups and organisations and had a tour of the branch library.
After spending approximately 25 minutes inside the library talking to distinguished guests and VIP's the Royal Party came back out and met the public in a brief walkabout.
After all the rain and wind, the sunshine made an appearance as the Queen and Prince Philip spoke to their many well wishers who lined the street.
The Queen looked absolutely radiant in a pale blue and cream two-piece suit with matching hat. Her shoes, bag and gloves were black and she wore her customary pearl jewellery, which complimented her out fit beautifully.
On her walkabout she charmed the crowd as stopped to talk and shake the many hands that were offered to her.
Many in the crowd presented floral tributes to her Majesty who in turn passed them on to her lady in waiting, as the numerous bouquets began to build up
His Royal Highness, was in particularly good form as he joked with well-wishers about the weather and joked with local school children about having time off lessons for the Royal visit.
The Royal visitors then got back into their Range Rover to travel to Loughry College Cookstown, but in a surprise change of schedule the cavalcade stopped off at the site of the Omagh Bomb where 29 people and unborn twins perished.
Alighting from the car the Queen and Prince Philip were joined by Secretary of State Dr John Reid, who described the progress of the new peace centre which is currently being constructed at the site.
Many people had gathered at the Market Street/Dublin Roads junction in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal couple, and they were not to be disappointed.
The Royal Party then left for a private lunch with the Duke of Abercorn before travelling to Cookstown for the Garden Party at Loughry College.
THE Royal visit brought a buzz of excitement to the streets of Omagh on Tuesday.
It may have been a cold wet and blustery day but the weather did little to dampen the spirits of all the well wishers who turned out hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen and the Duke.
Approximately 2,000 people, ranging from babies to grannies, turned out to welcome the Royal visitors, many of them waving Union Flags and carrying bouquets of fresh flowers.
Because the visit to Omagh was not officially confirmed many people turned up not quite sure if there was a Royal visit or not, while others found to their surprise that they were witnesses to a very important event in the history of Omagh.
Amid tight security the royal entourage arrived in spectacular style at precisely 12.05pm outside the Library Headquarters,
The flag-waving crowd cheered loudly as the Royal Party travelled past in a navy blue Range Rover, bearing the Royal Standard which was flanked by 11 motorcycle outriders plus seven official cars.
Both the Queen and Prince Philip waved to the waiting crowds before entering the library, where they met with local communities groups and organisations and had a tour of the branch library.
After spending approximately 25 minutes inside the library talking to distinguished guests and VIP's the Royal Party came back out and met the public in a brief walkabout.
After all the rain and wind, the sunshine made an appearance as the Queen and Prince Philip spoke to their many well wishers who lined the street.
The Queen looked absolutely radiant in a pale blue and cream two-piece suit with matching hat. Her shoes, bag and gloves were black and she wore her customary pearl jewellery, which complimented her out fit beautifully.
On her walkabout she charmed the crowd as stopped to talk and shake the many hands that were offered to her.
Many in the crowd presented floral tributes to her Majesty who in turn passed them on to her lady in waiting, as the numerous bouquets began to build up
His Royal Highness, was in particularly good form as he joked with well-wishers about the weather and joked with local school children about having time off lessons for the Royal visit.
The Royal visitors then got back into their Range Rover to travel to Loughry College Cookstown, but in a surprise change of schedule the cavalcade stopped off at the site of the Omagh Bomb where 29 people and unborn twins perished.
Alighting from the car the Queen and Prince Philip were joined by Secretary of State Dr John Reid, who described the progress of the new peace centre which is currently being constructed at the site.
Many people had gathered at the Market Street/Dublin Roads junction in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal couple, and they were not to be disappointed.
The Royal Party then left for a private lunch with the Duke of Abercorn before travelling to Cookstown for the Garden Party at Loughry College.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1052
Published Date: 16-May-02
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