A ROYAL visit which showcased the best of Bradford has been fondly remembered two years on.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Bradford just a few weeks before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK and the first lockdown was announced.
They stopped at City Hall, the Khidmat Centre and My Lahore restaurant during the few hours they spent in the city.
At City Hall, the royal couple met Bradford Council officials including leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe and chief executive Kersten England. The couple also met charity organisations in Bradford.
Crowds gathered in City Park to meet and catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Their second stop was at MyLahore restaurant, where they tried their hand at making mango lassi with students on an apprenticeship scheme.
Boxer Amir Khan, a friend of the family who own MyLahore, met the Duke and Duchess during their visit to the restaurant.
They rounded off their trip by going to the Khidmat Centre in Lidget Green.
The royal couple were warmly greeted by fans there before meeting representatives of community groups, taking part in a grandmother and toddler session and having a go at dhol drumming.
During the visit, William and Kate praised the welcome they received in the city, saying how impressed they were with the friendliness of everyone.
Sofia Buncy DL, of the Khidmat Centre, said: "The royal visit to Bradford from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge helped to showcase to the rest of the country the best of Bradford.
"Bradfordians are proud but humble people so to have such a distinguished visit emphasised the self-worth of the city and what is has to offer.
"Despite the devastating Covid-19 epidemic, the people of Bradford still fondly remember the Royal visit with pride.
"For Khidmat Centres, this was also our last big public engagement and it has left lasting sentiments of pride for both our staff, service users, families and local community.
"Pictures and artifacts within the centre still continue to boost our morale and focus on the enormous sense off achievement from the day."
Suzanne Watson, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce at the time of the royal visit, recalls meeting William and Kate.
She said: "I feel very privileged to have been involved in such an important day for our city and district.
"Despite the challenges we’ve all experienced in the two years since the royal visit, Bradford continues to be a business community which is robust, which supports, engages, gives back and encourages.
"I think our future King and Queen would still be impressed.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here