Wearing a blue and turquoise hat and coat, black gloves and carrying her trusty black handbag, the Queen looked relaxed and happy as she smiled and waved at well-wishers.
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“Many… have kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired”. ‘The Borders Railway will be a real catalyst for growth in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian.
The Queen never made a fuss and so it is not surprising that, as in Queen Victoria’s day, calls for large-scale events to commemorate this milestone was rejected.
Her Majesty thanked the Tweedbank audience for their warm welcome and said the Borders Railway “Brings so much promise for sharing and invigorating this attractive countryside as a place to work, live and enjoy”, before unveiling a plaque to mark the opening of the new line.
“For those watching from around the world let me say, on their behalf ma’am a simple but heartfelt thank you”.
Her last visit to York was in April 2012.
Then she downplayed her accomplishment.
“It will help to generate prosperity and improve people’s quality of life”.
ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: “Today heralds a new era of opportunity for the Borders and for the whole of Scotland”.
Moreover, here she is in 2008 at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Among those who accompanied her on the railway journey from the Scottish capital were the Duke of Edinburgh and the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon.
“She said to me “we’ve both got a special day”, he said later.
As well as ruling the United Kingdom, Elizabeth is head of state of 15 other Commonwealth nations, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Afterwards, she described the Queen as being “in tremendous form”.
The First Minister presented the Queen with two Scottish-produced cashmere scarves earlier this week.
Yet, Canadians’ admiration and empathy for the Queen only grew, because they recognized in her trials the pain that spares no one, royal or not, who lives long enough, and the dignified way in which she conducted herself throughout set an example for all.
This is, admittedly, a rare public appearance during the Balmoral break but will allow people see her and mark the occasion.
However, royal sources insisted there was no celebratory family meal.
The queen was 25 when she succeeded her father King George VI after his death in 1952.
It was partly out of respect for Queen Victoria, but also because large celebrations were planned for Her Majesty’s 90th birthday next year.
She will pass her great-great-grandmother Victoria’s record at about 5.30pm, by which time she will have reigned for 63 years, 216 days, 16 hours and approximately 30 minutes. She came to the throne when she was older than Victoria.
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