Luton’s Right Royal welcome to the Prince of Wales

Several members of the Royal Family have visited Luton, not least Queen Elizabeth II, who toured the newly opened Central Library in 1962.
Prince Charles welcomed to LutonPrince Charles welcomed to Luton
Prince Charles welcomed to Luton

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were also regular guests at Luton Hoo when their friends Sir Harold and Lady Zia Wernher owned the stately home.

But no one has packed more into their day in town than Prince Charles when he came here nearly 30 years ago.

His helicopter landed at Stockwood Park on July 11, 1985 and he was driven through town centre streets, lined with flag-waving crowds, to Luton Youth House in St Mary’s Road.

Prince Charles welcomed to LutonPrince Charles welcomed to Luton
Prince Charles welcomed to Luton

From there he went to Vauxhall Motors for a tour of the car factory and then on to Luton Airport to officially open the new terminal before departing by helicopter.

Luton News photographers captured the whole visit and we’ve delved into the archives to bring you this slideshow of the day.