Royal princes William and Harry were to the fore when the Queen returned to Huddersfield - even though they weren’t here.
The monarch was in town on November 30, 1990, for a series of sporting events.
One was to officially open the new headquarters in New North Parade, of BARLA, the British Amateur Rugby League Association, and delighted officials at the sports project handed over rugby balls and kits for the Queen’s young grandsons.
William was just eight at the time and Harry six and the Queen was delighted with the gift.
BARLA was created in 1973 in Huddersfield at the George Hotel - the birthplace of the sport - and was formed by a group of enthusiasts concerned about the dramatic disappearance of many amateur leagues and clubs.
They took over a former mansion called West Yorkshire House in New North Parade.
Long-time official Maurice Oldroyd was a Royal visit veteran, but he was moved by the memory of the encounter with Her Majesty.
He said: “We asked the Queen to open the building and we were staggered and delighted when we were informed that she would perform the ceremony.
“It was a great honour to have the Queen come to Huddersfield, and we were really proud to say we brought her here.”
Members of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment hoisted the Royal Standard over the BARLA head offices as the Queen’s car arrived. She was received by the Mayor of Kirklees — Tom O’Donovan — who was also BARLA ’s development officer.
The Queen had arrived at the start of a busy day at the railway station on the Royal train from London.
She wore an amethyst swing coat and a matching hat, trimmed with a black band.
There were huge crowds in New North Parade and many, who had waited for hours, were delighted when the Queen did a Royal walkabout.
After the BARLA ceremony, she was whisked away to the then Huddersfield Sports Centre and a meeting with Edith Bentley, founder of the huge University of the Third Age, or U3A, project.
The Queen was full of praise for the elderly people taking part in a variety of sports and events and reportedly told them: “You’re wonderful”.
In a tour of the Centre, the Queen got to see many local youngsters taking part in events ranging from martial arts to climbing.
And she got to view an archive of Examiner photographs taken years earlier in 1973 when her daughter Princess Anne had officially opened the Sports Centre.
Ironically, as she celebrates her 90th birthday, the Centre is being reduced to a pile of rubble and dust.
