THE QUEEN and Prince Philip paid a very special visit to Herefordshire nine years ago, the last official visit the Duke of Edinburgh would pay to the county before his retirement in 2017.

Buckingham Palace announced that 99-year-old Prince Philip had died today (April 9), just weeks after returning home to recuperate after his longest ever hospital stay.

The Duke of Edinburgh had paid several visits to Herefordshire with the Queen over the years, from their first visit in 1957, to their last as a couple in celebration of Diamond Day in 2012.

During their first visit in 1957, they went from Ledbury to Leominster, before the Queen planted two oak trees at Queenswood. At Hereford, there was a rousing welcome from thousands of well-wishers.

She opened the Langford sale ring at Hereford’s old cattle market, and took tea at the Town Hall with the Mayor, Alderman CJ Gooding and Mayoress, Camilla Gooding.

The royal visitor appears to be fiddling with her earrings as Prince Philip receives a traditional cider mug from Howard Bulmer on a visit to a cider factory. Photo: Derek Evans Archive

The flags came out again in 1976 when the Queen arrived in Hereford to distribute Royal Maundy coins at the cathedral, and again in 1987, when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh returned for the third time, taking lunch at Bulmers where they were met by retired chairman, Bertram Bulmer and received the first bottle of cider brandy.

Prince Philip and the Queen visit Hereford

Cider Museum founder Bertam Bulmer, who resurrected cider brandy making, presents the Queen with the first bottle. Photo: Derek Evans Archive at Herefordshire Archives and Record Centre

George Thomas, former public relations’ manager, recalled: “ The Queen had given him an oak tree from Windsor Park to make barrels for storing it in, so it was a fair swap.”

George also remembered concerns during the planning stage. “We were going to paint the loos but were advised not to, as the Queen and Prince Philip didn’t like the smell of fresh paint.”

Crowds lined the streets to cheer the Royals during a visit to Hereford in the 1990s, with the Duke of Edinburgh pictured amid a crowd in St Peter's Square, and speaking to children from Hereford Cathedral Junior School.

Prince Philip visits Hereford in the 1990s

Prince Philip and the Queen visit Hereford

The Queen was pictured accepting flowers from the delighted crowd.

The Queen accepts flowers during a visit to Hereford in the 1990s

Crowds again turned out in force for the couple's Diamond Day visit in 2012, held in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, with hundreds eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Royal Train at Hereford Railway Station.

They then travelled by car along Commercial Road before crossing into Commercial Street and passing the black and white house in High Town before travelling along High Street and turning into Broad Street before arriving at Hereford Cathedral at 10.15am where the Queen revealed a plaque officially declaring the new Cathedral Close open.

Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip visit to Hereford as part of her diamond jubilee tour, 2012. Eager crowds during the Queens visit to Hereford Cathedral yesterday (Wed)...Photo Chas Breton..

Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip visit to Hereford as part of her diamond jubilee tour, 2012. The Queen accepts bouquets of flowers from youngsters at Hereford Cathedral yesterday (Wed)...Photo Chas Breton..

From there the Royal visitors went on to the King George V playing fields for 10.40am, where they were greeted by a choir of 1,000 local voices and a parade of entertainers.

Prince Philip visits the King George V playing fields

While on the fields, they visited marquees representing various corners of the county, shake hands with volunteers and meet the crew of the Hereford Bull - the Wye Trow which took part in the Royal pageant on the River Thames.

The Queen meets the builders of the Hereford Bull Trow

The Queen meets the builders of the Hereford Bull Trow

The Royal couple then enjoyed a walkabout around the playing fields before leaving the city by car at 11.15am.