David Vallis reflects on a long tradition of visits by members of the Royal Family

ROYALTY has graced Salisbury and district with frequent visits during the Journal's 275-year history.

Most of the visits have come during the current Queen's reign, during which the Royal Family has been both more mobile and far less remote from the public.

But the 19th century, too, was scattered with royal appearances in the cathedral city, including a visit in December 1814 by Princess Charlotte, a daughter of George IV.

As a young princess, Queen Victoria visited Salisbury with her parents the then Duke and Duchess of Kent in December 1820 and again in October 1825 - and then in August 1856 she was back in the city as monarch, together with Prince Albert and three of their children.

Later 19th century visits were made by Albert Edward Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) and the Crown Prince of Prussia, son-in-law of Queen Victoria and later Emperor of Germany.

It is the past half-century, however, that has produced the most memorable royal visits with Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the late Queen Mother and Princess Margaret all having made a host of public appearances locally. They have