Fit for the Queen

But while most of us would give little thought to our own day trips out, Her Majesty's visit has been almost a year in the planning.

We reveal the in-depth planning and security measures that have been put in place to ensure the Royal visit runs without a hitch.

EAST Lancashire is fast becoming practised at playing host to high-profile visitors and dignatories.

Last month the region saw the high security Condoleezza Rice visit which, although from a planning perspective was highly successful, was met with at worst hostility and at best indifference by most.

And while the Queen's visit is clearly a crowd pleaser, with thousands expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the Royal party, the security operation surrounding the event is much lower key.

Phil Watson, chief executive of the council, admitted that this visit was certainly less tasking than organising Dr Rice's visit, which saw security agents sleeping in the Town Hall and snipers posted on town centre buildings.

He said the main job of the 30-plus council officers planning the visit was simply to make sure that "the right people are in the right place doing the right thing on the day" and that the town was ready for the Queen's inspection with streets being cleaned and town centre graffiti removed.

He said: "We are not going to be shabby we will do what's required, paying attention to the route that she's going along.

"But we're not going over the top and re-painting everything."

However, such was the state of the station's subway that Network Rail has been forced to order the re-tiling of huge sections of flooring ahead of her visit to make it suitably smart for the Royal gaze.

Derelict buildings in Church Street, that form part of the Mall re-development, have already been smartly boarded up.

But despite the lengthy preparations and popstars such as Jennifer Lopez or Mariah Carey travelling with entourages of 40 plus, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the Queen keeps her assistants down to a modest three.

She said: "The Queen's entourage is much smaller than you would expect and she normally keeps it down to around three her lady-in-waiting, a press secretary and her equerry.

"Her equerry is the Her Majesty's personal security person who basically fulfils a military role and protects the Queen.

"Other than that the security for the trip is always provided by the local police who will have been working closely with the palace security advisors for a number of months.

"The Queen's diary has to be planned almost a year in advance as her visits are often tied in to mark anniversaries or annual celebrations which make her trips memorable for those who she meets and also interesting for the Queen.

"The Lord Lieutenant of each county liaises with the palace and suggests local places and people he thinks the Queen should see.

"For example on this visit the Queen will view a cow in a crush at Radholme Laund Farm, Whitewell, having its feet trimmed which is certainly different and I think she will find really interesting."

The Queen will arrive in Blackburn on her private train which she often uses when travelling to Northern England or to Scotland as it is self-contained and has living accommodation.

There is also speculation that, due to the early start, the Queen and the Duke will sleep onboard outside Blackburn the evening before.

The Royal cars will be driven from Buckingham Palace the night before by her personal chauffeurs to ensure they are on time to pick Her Majesty up outside Blackburn Railway Station at 9.55am.

Today Superintendent Mark Bartlett, of Lancashire police, said: "Detailed police plans for the Royal visit have been formulated.

"Our intention is to put in place the right level of police operation and security to help local people feel reassured so they can enjoy this very special occasion.

"Our aims have been to put in place the appropriate and proportionate number of police officers to provide the right and proper level of security without impacting on what is after all an exciting public event.

"My top tip for people wanting to see Her Majesty is to arrive early and head for the police control barriers along the Boulevard, Darwen Street, and Church Street as that is the best indicator of where the Queen will be and the barriers will keep everyone safe."

To round off her trip to East Lancashire the Queen will be treated to a private lunch with Duchy Council members and other guests at the Inn At Whitewell, owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.

And managers at the Inn are certain their intricate plans for their prestigious diner are complete after buying a "posh" new pen deemed suitable enough for Her Majesty to sign the Inn's visitor's book.