Today, Her Royal Highness is a relatively regular visitor to Boston, but in 1977 she was the first senior royal figure to visit the town that century and thousands turned out for the occasion.
It had been thought that these photographs were among those that were permanently damaged in the flood of 2013. A large number of boxes of negatives suffered water damage that night, leaving The Standard with gaps in its archives. However, the film for this event had not been stored with the rest of those from 1977, but kept in a tray with negatives from various years and events. They were rediscovered a few years ago – too late for the 40th anniversary, but in time for the 45th. Here are a selection from the first part of the Princess’ visit.
17. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Once the opening ceremony was over (which included a short service from the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dennis Hawker), the tour of the hospital began - starting with the eighth floor. Photo: Boston Standard
18. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
During her tour, the Princess spoke with numerous patients of all ages. Photo: Boston Standard
19. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Areas of the hospital visited included the medical wards, the children's ward, the surgical wards, and the 'Geriatric Day Unit'. Photo: Boston Standard
20. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Small groups of staff and patients filled every gap along the route in the hospital, The Standard wrote at the time. Photo: Boston Standard