Queen Elizabeth II is set to become the longest-reigning UK monarch in 1000 years of British history today.

The 89-year-old monarch, who became Queen aged 25, will surpassed the 63 year reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria on Wednesday evening. 

BFP's volunteer historian and nostalgia writer Mike Dewey takes a look back at some of her visits to South Bucks over the years. 

The first recorded visit of Queen Elizabeth II to South Bucks was in April 1934 when as Princess Elizabeth she went to Bekonscot model village in Beaconsfield, just one day before her eighth birthday.

Bucks Free Press:

The Queen as Princess Elizabeth visiting Bekonscot in April 1934.

The next occasion was in November 1952 when shortly after her succession to the throne, but before her Coronation, the Queen visited the factory of Harrison’s in Coates Lane, off the Hughenden Avenue in High Wycombe. The purpose of the visit was to see the Coronation stamps being printed at the Harrison printing works.

In April 1962 Her Majesty paid her most comprehensive visit to High Wycombe. This was part of a tour of South Bucks lasting eight hours, during which Her Majesty also went to Aylesbury and Slough. The Bucks Free Press reported on the visit to Wycombe: "This was the day, the day when the Queen was late, but she was lovely. A day of sunshine and smiles. A day of colour. A day to remember.’’

Dressed all in red, after arriving in the town and meeting local dignitaries Her Majesty first went to see an exhibition arranged in her honour in the Town Hall. The exhibition celebrated Wycombe’s heritage in the manufacture of furniture, and included a reconstruction of a bodger’s hut. She then was driven up Amersham Hill to the Royal Grammar School, where she formally opened a new science block. Whilst there she spoke to many of the boys, asking them about experiments they were making in the laboratories. She then paused to chat with the cook Mrs Daisy Hunt.     

The printing of postage stamps clearly had a fascination for the Queen and in May 1972 Her Majesty paid another visit to the Harrison’s factory. This time she was accompanied by Prince Philip, Princes Andrew and Edward.

In contrast to the sunshine Her Majesty was favoured with in Wycombe, on her visit to Bisham Abbey near Marlow in October 1974 umbrellas were required. Whilst there the Queen was given a tour of the National Sports Centre by the Director Brian Lee. 

Do any of our readers have personal memories of the Queen visiting the Wycombe area? If so we would love to hear your reminiscences. Contact Mike Dewey by email deweymiked@aol.com.