Queen greeted by crowds on market visit

The Queen has been meeting traders at a farmers' market in Shrewsbury.

She was welcomed by a crowd of flag-waving well-wishers and spent time talking to some of them.

Mandy Thorn, the High Sheriff of Shropshire, said she was pleased Her Majesty had been able "to shine the spotlight on our beautiful county town".

Peter Themans, from Wenlock Edge Farm, spoke to her briefly and said: "Judging by the crowds the Royal Family is very popular still."

The Queen stopped to talk to a number of stallholders and Mr Themans said: "She asked what we do and how busy we are and how long we've been going and it's great and she's lovely."

Michelle Lewnes from Telford said: "It was amazing and I actually got to shake hands with her as well."

"I love the Royal Family and to see Queen Camilla was just amazing."

Ms Thorn said the visit had been a "great day for us" and Ms Lewnes agreed.

She said: "I've got a small business myself, so it's really important that we have this royal visit here and people get to know there is a farmers' market in Shrewsbury."

On the visit to the market, the Queen was given a number of gifts, including chocolates, a book and a poster which read: "Send our love to Kate."

She then signed a visitors' book before leaving to visit the town's Flaxmill Maltings building.

Sally from Wildjac Distillery was another stallholder to meet the Queen and she said they talked about gins and wines.

She also showed Her Majesty the company's cardboard bottles, and said: "She was very pleased that we are doing our little bit for the environment."

At the Flaxmill Maltings, the Queen met local dignitaries, volunteers and charity workers.

The building was the first iron-framed building in the world and the techniques used would later pave the way for the first skyscrapers.

It has been restored by Historic England and now contains offices and meeting spaces.

On her visit, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque marking her first visit to Shropshire since the King's coronation.

The Queen was presented with more gifts, including a copy of the Quran, met Ukrainian refugees and representatives of a local food bank.

Tamsin Silvey from Historic England said: "It's just brilliant to see all the charities here today and how excited they are.

"She looked like she really enjoyed herself, she spoke to so many people and just seeing them come out, they all looked so happy to have met her."

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