Diocese of Chichester

Royal Visit to Sussex

Visitors and residents of Rye, in East Sussex, came out to cheer the Queen when she paid a visit to the town and visited St Mary’s Church as part of her tour of Sussex on Thursday 16th May.

On 17 may 2024

In Diocese of Chichester

By comms

The town Rector, Paul White greeted the Queen and accompanied her as she met with community groups in St Mary Church.

Bell ringers welcomed the Queen into the church. She specifically asked to hear the bells said Judith Blincow one of the 13 ringers,. “I’ve never rung the bells so hard or for so long.”

Mothers Union president Karen Hills was also in attendance and spoke to the Queen about its vital work including Away From It All project (AFIA) and Ministry of Cake before introducing her to other Rye MU members including Chris Emson, a former President of Mothers Union Chichester.

Revd Paul White looked back on the Queen’s visit to St Mary’s saying. “It ‘s a once in a life time occasion. I was delighted to welcome the Queen. She was warm, friendly, and full of good humour. It was a bit daunting with all the etiquette and remembering everyone’s names, but it was a real joy to speak to her.”

Mothers Union president Karen Hills spoke to the Queen about its vital work

Rye MU members met the Queen including Chris Emson, a former President of Mothers Union Chichester.