The trustees, staff and volunteers of Leeds Castle are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Our sincere condolences are with The Royal Family.
Niall Dickson, Chairman of The Leeds Castle Charitable Foundation said: “For many of its 900 years this castle has been associated with and indeed owned by formidable Queens, but it has never witnessed such a glorious and long reign as that of Queen Elizabeth II. The loss felt across the UK will be shared by all of us who love this place and who admired Her Majesty’s unwavering sense of duty.”
The estate will remain open during this period of mourning. As a mark of respect, Leeds Castle will close to visitors on Monday 19th September. Accommodation will remain open to residential guests.
The lead picture shows Her Majesty The Queen visiting Leeds Castle in 1981 being presented the key to the Castle by Lady Baillie’s daughters, Pauline and Susan, and granddaughter Vanessa.
Judith Jordan, who currently works at Leeds Castle, was presented to the Queen during her visit to Leeds Castle in 1981: “The Queen visited Leeds Castle in 1981, to see the Castle’s work in becoming more accessible for disabled visitors.
“I was working in the Fairfax Hall at the time, and was lucky enough to be chosen to stand in line with about eight others to be presented to Her Majesty. The Queen entered the Stable Courtyard in her royal car and was accompanied by Lord Geoffrey Lloyd. When The Queen entered the Fairfax Hall all went very quiet, and I just felt a magical presence. She came to our line and was introduced to us, she then stopped and spoke, then as she passed we all bowed our heads, and she continued on her way.
“It was a memorable moment. We were then presented with a Leeds Castle envelope, franked at the Castle with a number and the date of her visit.”
