Crowds cheer as Queen arrives for visit to British Legion care unit
Cheers, waving flags and strings of bunting have greeted the Queen as she arrived in Kent.
The Queen gave the smiling crowds a wave as she got out of her black limousine in Aylesford.
Schoolchildren and other members of the public lined the streets, eager for a glimpse of the UK’s longest reigning monarch.
Wearing a long coat of deep purple and matching hat, she was greeted with cries of “God save the Queen”.
She is touring facilities designed to support armed forces veterans and their families, ahead of Remembrance Day.
On Wednesday 6th November, Her Majesty The Queen will be visiting RBLI’s Village in Aylesford, Kent to mark our centenary.
This is a proud and momentous occasion for RBLI, as we celebrate 100 years of supporting veterans and those with disabilities.
📷 HM visiting RBLI in 1975 pic.twitter.com/ZBuMwGKc75
— R.B.L.I. (@RBLI) October 24, 2019
The Queen was greeted at the Centenary Village and will be meeting its oldest resident – 99-year-old Second World War veteran John Riggs.
She was there to officially open the new Appleton Lodge care facility.
The Centenary Village and Appleton Lodge are run by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), a national charity supporting armed forces personnel and veterans and their families, as well as those with a disability and the long-term unemployed.
It provides accommodation, welfare, training and employment.
Appleton Lodge, named after First World War frontline nurse Edith Appleton, offers care for 15 residents as well as day care for locals who need support with health, nutritional, social and daily living needs.
