A ROYAL couple paid a visit to Knutsford as part of a tour of Cheshire East.

HRH Prince Richard and his wife Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, were welcomed by flag-waving supporters at Tatton Park.

They were special guests at the RHS Flower show, paying particular attention to Tatton’s gold-award winning Japanese garden entry.

Prince Richard also visited Macclesfield Town Hall where he was able to view the Macclesfield Royal Charter of 1261, signed by Lord Edward, making up part of the Macclesfield 750th Charter exhibition.

He added that his distant ancestor, King Edward 1, very much believed in towns and how they presented more opportunities for people than in the countryside.

Meanwhile, Birgitte arrived by helicopter at Crewe’s Queens Park and was greeted by scores of flag-waving children, Sir William Stanier’s school steel band, Matrix dancers and St Mary’s RC Primary School choir.

She was shown around the new Queens Park Pavilion, ahead of the grand opening in September and chatted with school children, veterans as well as civic dignitaries and the deputy mayor of Cheshire East, Clr George Walton.

Elaine Dodd, Queens Park manager said: “The visit was a wonderful occasion, the duchess was impressed by the scale of works completed in the park so far and commented that the amenity was a wonderful recreational facility for the local community.”

Erika Wenzel, chief executive of Cheshire East Council, added: “We are delighted that the royal tour went so smoothly.

“Hopefully, they will spread the message about how beautiful our borough is and what a great destination it is to come and visit.”