Officially 'Royal' Wootton Bassett 

'An example to the nation' says Princess Anne at official naming ceremony

 

The road signs have already said it, but today it was made official by Princess Anne.

 

From now on Wootton Bassett will be known as 'Royal' Wootton Bassett after her Majesty's Letters Patent were delivered on behalf of the Queen in front of thousands of people at a ceremony this afternoon.

 

Royal honour: Princess Anne at the official naming ceremony in Wootton Bassett high street

 

The Royal prefix was awarded to the town in recognition of the community's role in honouring members of the armed forces as they were repatriated via RAF Lyneham.

 

And fittingly thousands of local people gathered in the high street to enjoy the day as the Princess Royal praised their involvement, describing Wootton Bassett as 'an example to the nation'.

 

Those attending also included the Prime Minister David Cameron and new Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

 

Letters Patent Ceremony

Royal Wootton Bassett

16 October 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos above by Calyx and Jodie Henderson.

Gallery photos by Deborah Coleman.