18 splendid photos of the Queen visiting Dewsbury, Batley and Spen in the 1950s and 1990s on what would have been her 100th birthday

Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom from February 6, 1952, until her death in September 2022.

In a message on what would have been her 100th birthday, King Charles III said: “Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother’s one hundredth birthday, my Family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory.

“Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond. Her near-century was one of remarkable change and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served.

“Millions will remember her for moments of national significance; many others for a fleeting personal encounter, a smile, a kind word that lifted spirits…. or for that marvellous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life.

“Much about the times we now live in I suspect may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon. For as a young Princess Elizabeth put it in her first ever public broadcast, aged just 14, we can each play our part ‘to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place’. It is a belief which I share, with all my heart.

“So young or old, and whatever our differences, let us therefore seek to follow this example as we make today not the marking of a milestone felt by absence but the celebration of a life well-lived, and a legacy of hope, as we strive together towards a ‘better, happier tomorrow’ - one rooted in peace, justice, prosperity and security.

“In this, I renew my own solemn pledge of duty and service to you all.

“God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers.”

During her 70 year reign, Her Majesty made many visits around the world and in the UK - including here in North Kirklees.

We have taken a look back through our archive to find pictures of the Queen visiting Dewsbury and Batley in October 1954, as well as when she visited Cleckheaton as a Princess.

We also have some incredible photos, courtesy of Kirklees Council, showing the Queen visiting Heckmondwike on November 30, 1990, to officially open Claremont House care home, on Brighton Street.

Take a look at these wonderful photos of Queen Elizabeth II in North Kirklees, on what would have been her 100th birthday.