IN PICTURES: A look back at Queen Elizabeth's past visits to Powys

Few had ever considered the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York would ever rule but the abdication of her uncle and heir, King Edward VIII in 1936, changed the course of her life and the future of the country.

She married Philip Mountbatten, a former prince of Greece and Denmark, and their marriage lasted 73 years until Philip’s death in 2021.

They had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Significant events since the coronation in 1952 have included the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022 respectively.

Queen Elizabeth during her 1955 visit to Elan Valley. Picture: Radnorshire Museum.

Elizabeth is the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state, the oldest living and longest-reigning current monarch, and the oldest and longest-serving incumbent head of state.

Throughout her reign the majority of the country have welcomed her visits and celebrated her landmarks – and Powys is no exception.

Queen Elizabeth during her 1955 visit to Elan Valley. Picture: Radnorshire Museum.

Among her first major visits to Powys was a trip to the Elan Valley in 1955, when she officially opened the Claerwen Dam. Pictures show her walking around the site, along with the Duke of Edinburgh.

More recently, she came to Welshpool in 2010, when she was greeted by the then-Mayor Ann Holloway and met members of the public who were only too keen to welcome her to the town.

Queen Elizabeth during her 1955 visit to Elan Valley. Picture: Radnorshire Museum.

Our archive also reveals pictures of the Queen’s visit to the Royal Welsh Show in 2004, when she unveiled a plaque.

During past jubilees every town and village in the entire country would come together and celebrate with a street party while, in some places, beacons were lit atop local hills to mark a day of celebration.

Queen Elizabeth during her 1955 visit to Elan Valley. Picture: Radnorshire Museum.

And of course many of us have grown up with the Queen as an ever-present in our lives.

Whether that be using gravy boats with the Queen’s print emblazoned on the side for Christmas dinner every year or perhaps ensuring the monarch’s December 25 speeches are always honoured and respected each year.

Royal Welsh Agricultural Show - Llanelwedd HM The Queen watches the gun dog demonstration in 2004.

In 1977, Elizabeth marked the Silver Jubilee of her accession. Parties and events took place throughout the Commonwealth, many coinciding with her associated national and Commonwealth tours.

In 2002, the Queen marked her Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of her accession.

The Queen's visit to Welshpool in 2010.

Her sister and mother died in February and March respectively, and the media speculated on whether the Jubilee would be a success or a failure.

The Queen's visit to Welshpool in 2010.

As in 1977, there were street parties and commemorative events, and monuments were named to honour the occasion. One million people attended each day of the three-day main Jubilee celebration in London and the enthusiasm shown for the Queen by the public was greater than many journalists had anticipated.

The Queen's visit to Welshpool in 2010.

The Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee marked 60 years on the throne, and celebrations were held throughout her realms, the wider Commonwealth, and beyond. She and her husband undertook an extensive tour of the United Kingdom, while her children and grandchildren embarked on royal tours of other Commonwealth states on her behalf.

On June 4, Jubilee beacons were lit around the world in her honour.