THE Queen will be visiting Macclesfield on her national Golden Jubilee tour.
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty will meet local people at The King's School, in July, when it celebrates its 500th anniversary.
Speculation has it that she will stay the night at the stately Henbury Hall, home of the Royal family's personal friend Sebastian de Ferranti, before she goes to the City of Manchester stadium for the opening of the Commonwealth Games.
Macclesfield has been chosen as the ONLY location in Cheshire for the royal couple to visit on their tour.
And it will be the first time the Queen has ever visited the town during her 50-year reign, although she did make an appearance to tour local silk mills along with Prince Philip in 1949 - three years before her Coronation.
The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, William Bromley-Davenport, of Capesthorne Hall, is delighted with the news.
He said: "I am certain this occasion will be remembered as the highlight of the Golden Jubilee Year in Cheshire and I am confident that Her Majesty will find the experience stimulating.
"It will be her only visit to the county in 2002 given the inevitable busy schedule.
"But it is her wish to meet as many Cheshire people as possible."
The hosts King's School, who are celebrating their special anniversary themselves this year, are also thrilled at the announcement.
Headteacher, Dr Stephen Coyne, said: "King's is honoured to be hosting Her Majesty's only visit to Cheshire during the Jubilee.
"We are delighted that the school's 500th anniversary will be marked in this special way."
Dr Coyne, who has broken the exciting news to the pupils and their families by letter, added: "It has been very hard keeping this secret."
The Queen will unveil a stone commemorating 500 years of King's and will meet several pupils.
She will then meet people from all over the county and view a series of displays illustrating aspects of Cheshire's rural life, business and commerce, and learning and skills.
These displays will be housed in marquees on the school field and will be open to the general public after the Royal party have left.
Macclesfield Borough Council's Chief Executive, David Parr, said: "We are proud that Macclesfield has been chosen to host this countywide event.
"I am confident that the royal couple will receive and enthusiastic welcome from the people of the borough."
Prince Philip is no stranger to Macclesfield. Both he and his eldest son Prince Charles have made frequent unofficial visits to the area.
Prince Philip, who shares a passion for carriage driving along with Mr de Ferranti and fellow aristocrat John Richards, has competed in horse trials at Tatton Park.
