AS THE cast and crew of The Crown filmed at Winchester Cathedral in January this year, we take a look back at an occasion in which the Queen visited for real.

It was a special day for Winchester Cathedral – not just because of the royal visit – but because it was celebrating a big birthday.

To mark the cathedral’s 900th anniversary , the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh popped by to wish it many happy returns.

The county’s leading figures gathered for a cathedral service and a huge lunch, whilst thousands of Hampshire residents waited eagerly for their chance to catch a glimpse – or maybe even speak to – the royal couple.

Visitors to Winchester arrived in their hordes from early morning on April 11, 1979, with nearby roads and car parks filling up by lunchtime.

As well as the public getting to see them on their informal stroll around the Law Courts courtyard, 53 men and 53 women got the chance to meet with them when they received the traditional Maundy Money during an hour-long service.

A silver goblet was presented to the Queen by the Dean of Winchester, the Very Reverend Michael Stancliffe. The goblet was the first of a limited edition of 900, produced by order of Dean and Chapter to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the cathedral.