SHE made the county the destination for her honeymoon and since then has returned time and again to perform countless ceremonies and engagements.

Today Hampshire along with the rest of the country salutes our Queen as she celebrates her 90th birthday.

Across the county events are being staged whilst dignitaries and civic leaders join in a chorus of tributes to her majesty as she celebrates the milestone.

Leading the tributes was Roy Perry, the leader of Hampshire County Council who describe her service to the country as "flawless.

He said: "On behalf of Hampshire County Council and the residents of Hampshire I have written to Buckingham Palace to express our congratulations to Her Majesty on her 90th Birthday.

"Her service and commitment to her people in Britain and across the Commonwealth throughout those 90 years with more than 64 years as Queen has been flawless. A record of service that will probably never be broken.

“Her Majesty has strong links with Hampshire as it was here in 1947 she spent the first days of her marriage to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands near Romsey and for many years she celebrated her wedding anniversary at Broadlands.

"She is a frequent and most welcome visitor to our county. Long may she reign over us.”

Winchester MP Steve Brine pointed out the city’s royal connections: “A very happy birthday to our remarkable Queen who serves this country, and the Commonwealth, with such grace. Winchester’s connections with the monarchy are the stuff of legend and Queen Elizabeth II has visited us many times during her long reign. I know all my constituents will want to send her the warmest wishes on this special family, and national, day.”

The Mayor of Southampton Linda Norris also shared her memories of the Queen, including her coronation in 1953.

“One of the things I do as Mayor is the British citizenship ceremony. This is usually 20 people from perhaps 17 countries and we always sing the National Anthem at the end. We face a portrait of The Queen. It is of her when she was newly crowned. I always find that moment quite emotional.”

“I was there at the Coronation with my mother and grandmother. I slept on the pavement at Hyde Park. I was pushed to the front and I know The Queen waved at me, as she did to all of us.

“We think so highly of her. We hope that she remains in good health for a long time. Happy birthday your majesty – long to reign over us.”

Maureen Frost, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce deputy chief executive, said: “Hampshire Chamber congratulates Her Majesty the Queen on reaching this significant milestone.

“The celebration events planned across the country will be a boost to tourism and as with any national celebration gives people a sense of pride and optimism.

“From a business perspective the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are both coveted and welcomed and demonstrate her majesty’s support for the businesses in the UK”

Royston Smith, Southampton Itchen MP, said “I’d like to wish Her Majesty a very happy birthday. On this her 90th birthday, pay tribute to her unstinting service to this country and the Commonwealth and long may she reign.”

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said the Queen ranked alongside illustrious forebears: “The Queen’s outstanding contribution to national life over such a long period and to such a great age puts her on an equal footing with her great predecessors Queen Elizabeth the First and Queen Victoria.

There is clearly something very special about the female line in our wonderful monarchy”

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has also written to The Queen, on behalf of residents. Ms Davies wrote how the monarch has given “Magnificent and unstinting service to the United Kingdom”

She added: “We here can only reflect that your reign has been inspirational and your leadership in times of need is unsurpassed.”

Barry Rickman Leader of New Forest District Council noted her visits to the area: “Her Majesty has visited The New Forest many times in her reign, notable at The New Forest and Hampshire County show in 2012 at the end of her Golden Jubilee celebrations. She has been an outstanding and amazing monarch, and I am proud we have the Crown lands within our district.”

Suella Fernandes the MP for Fareham said: “Our Queen makes me proud to be British. With my parents coming from Mauritius and Kenya, both Commonwealth countries I feel the Queen is a symbol of pride and unity all over the world.”

Hampshire resident and former Saint’s Manager Lawrie McMenemy also reminisced on how he was presented with the FA Cup as manager by the Queen.: “I think The Queen is the most famous and grandest woman in the world. I was privileged to stand outside Buckingham Palace when I was in the Coldstream Guards.

“Forty years ago on the first of May she attended the Cup Final and presented Southampton with the FA Cup.

“Then of course, I was given the honour of an MBE, which she presented me. I was very proud of that day.

“When she presented me with the MBE she talked about football and her appearance at the 1976 Cup Final was mentioned. I don’t think she has been to a game since. I don’t think it was that bad a game” he joked.

“She is a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and the best example the nation could have as leader. She is admired all around the world and rightly so. Happy Birthday your Majesty and hopefully many more to come.”

Hampshire comedian Jim Davidson said: “It’s a remarkable fact that Her Majesty has worked so hard all her life. Most people want to put their feet up at her age but not her, she is still doing hundreds of functions a year. So happy birthday Your Majesty.”

A spokesperson from one of the city’s Sikh temples said: “Happy birthday to the Queen from Guru Tegh Bahadar Gurwara. Congratulations on this very special day and God Bless her all year round. Long live the Queen.”

From the cathedral city of Winchester, The Rt Revd Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, said: “I would like to wish Her Majesty a very happy 90th birthday.

“The Queen has been very open about her faith in Jesus Christ, which has sustained her in her many years of exemplary public service, not least as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

I thank God for her faith and for her reign, and I pray it may long continue.”

Nigel Atkinson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county, responsible for arranging and attending royal visits. The Lord Lieutenant said: “This is an exciting milestone for Her Majesty and yesterday I sent a message from the people of Hampshire sending warm and loyal greetings to Her Majesty on the occasion of her 90th birthday”