AS THE Queen’s Platinum Jubilee gets underway this week, residents and visitors to Salisbury have shared some of their memories and thoughts about the Monarch.

Chris Charij, of Salisbury, 32, said: “For me, she’s an incredibly important lady and someone who’s been part of all our lives and I’d like to think of her as the nation’s grandmother - she certainly looks like my nan.

“I’m incredibly proud to have her as a figure head of the nation, it brings a tear to the eye to be honest.”

Chris recalled when the Queen came to visit Salisbury for her Diamond Jubilee.

“It was fantastic, there were many street parties and a great sense of pride.”

Annette Shawl, 66, said: “I remember pushing my two-year-old boy in a pushchair when she came to visit Salisbury. I love her.”

During her 2012 visit, the Queen was driven down New Street and people filled the streets to catch a glimpse.

Nicole Fitz, 56, and Theresa Scott, 14, have lived in Salisbury their whole lives and remember the visit. Theresa said: “It was cool! I remember watching her car drive past.”

When asked about their plans for the upcoming Jubilee, the pair agreed: “We haven’t got any plans yet, we often make them the morning of!”

David Wilson, of Croydon, 51, recalled his service as a special constable when she visited the town in 1996.

He said: “We love her. I was keeping an eye on the crowd and I’m honoured to have done it.”

Julie Mason, 57, visiting from London, said: “I remember the Silver Jubilee, we had a lovely street party, I made a union jack cake and we watched her on the television.

“My parents were actually at the Mall watching her coronation back in the day and I think the Royal Family do a great job, although she’s getting older now and will miss her husband this year.”

Shaftesbury resident Kevin Perry, 65, plans to attend local events over the long weekend to celebrate.

He said: “It’s a good excuse for a glass of wine!”

Dylan Thomas, 21, said: “It’s one of the things that makes Britain. We take a lot of pride in the monarchy.”

American Katrina Cox, 36, added: “She’s lovely but I don’t really know what she does. Britain’s history is enough to want to visit but still having a Queen makes it unique.”

Harnham resident Emma Lock, 30, said: “Although I don’t really follow the royal family I do remember Philip’s funeral, seeing the Queen sat alone was sad.”

Antony Hughes, 41, said: “The Queen is a staple part of Britain, it’s something we can all relate to, especially now coming out of the pandemic and all the craziness in government, it’s nice to have someone that’s honourable and trustworthy.”

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