The newest Royal arrival, Prince William of Wales, made the headlines last week but his great-grandmother also received a share of the limelight when she made an informal visit to RAF Bentley Priory, the Bushey Heath headquarters of Strike Command’s No. 11 Group.

The Queen Mother was welcomed last Thursday by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir Michael Beetham, and the Air Officer Commanding No 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Peter Harding.

She was taken on a tour of the original Priory building which was severely damaged by fire three years ago but is now fully restored.

The Queen Mother rounded off her visit by joining officers and their wives for lunch.

[From the Watford Observer of July 2, 1982]