When Queen Elizabeth II visited Bradford for the final time

This evening, Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II had died at Balmoral earlier today.

58 years separate Her Majesty's first official visit to the city and her last, a three-course lunch in Saltaire on July 19, 2012.

GALLERY: The Queen's final visit to Bradford

Swashed with red, white and blue, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited the world heritage site as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour of the nation.

Crowds gathered upon her visit (Image: Newsquest)

The royal couple had earlier watched local acts perform in the 13,500-capacity First Direct Arena in Leeds, which opened the following year.

Large crowds gathered in Victoria Road to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they arrived for lunch at technology company Pace.

People of all ages were keen to meet her (Image: Newsquest)

Crowds including flag-waving children had been waiting outside the company since 8am on July 19 to catch a glimpse of the Queen.

Wearing a dress and coat in beige and cream tweed with a matching hat, Her Majesty stepped out onto a royal blue carpet and greeted representatives from across the region.

The couple joined guests including then-Bishop of Bradford Nick Baines, then-Lord Mayor Councillor Dale Smith and his wife, for a three-course lunch of Kilnsey trout, Nidderdale lamb and Yorkshire cheeses.

Then-Lord Mayor Councillor Dale Smith meeting Her Majesty (Image: Newsquest)

Menston Cllr Smith recalled the visit and tells a unique tale portraying the Queen's sense of humour.

He said: "It was such a magical experience.

"She was so warm and had a great sense of humour.

"Victoria Avenue was buzzing. She came to Saltaire for lunch and then shot off in the car.

The Queen loved Corgis (Image: Newsquest)

"It was an utter pleasure to be sitting with Her Majesty for a Yorkshire lunch in Saltaire.

"My wife sat on the same table as the Duke of Edinburgh and relished his company."

The Queen enjoyed her time in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

He added: "There was a little incident that proved her sense of humour.

"There are only 59 Lord Mayors in the UK. There are many majors and town majors etc.

"When she shook my hand on Victoria Avenue, I had my 1kg gold chain on which looks very impressive.

"She said 'oh look it's the mayor'. and I said, 'no ma’am, it's the Lord Mayor'.

"I almost poked her eye out with my finger remonstrating, she just smiled and shook my wife's hand.

"I heard her say to the CEO of Pace, 'no it is the Lord Mayor, I have been corrected once today and I don't want you to be corrected'. She looked over and smiled at me."

One young girl even wore a crown (Image: Newsquest)

Paying tribute, Cllr Smith said: "She has been the anchor of which the country has evolved throughout her reign. She has added wisdom and stability throughout her reign."