Queen to visit Chatsworth on Thursday

They will visit Derbyshire knitwear firm John Smedley Ltd in Lea Mills to mark its 230th anniversary before travelling on to Chatsworth House.

Chatsworth House grounds and car parks will be open to the public as usual.

But visitors wishing to see the Queen are advised to park at Chatsworth no later than 11am.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be welcomed to the estate by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and are planning to acknowledge crowds in the grounds.

A reception will be held in Chatsworth’s Painted Hall for 80 local voluntary workers and charity organisers, hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker and his wife.

Both will accompany the Royal couple throughout the visit.

Later there will a private luncheon at Chatsworth House.

In Matlock, crowds are encouraged to join local schoolchildren and line the streets from around 10am as the Royal party travel by car from Matlock to Lea Bridge.

Users of the A6 are urged to steer clear between 10am and 12 noon and parking will be banned on Chatsworth Road, Rowsley.

Matlock station car park will be closed until after the Royal car’s departure.