ROYAL
David Cameron Prime Minister announced today during Prime Minister's Questions.....
Wootton Bassett is the first town in more than 100 years to be granted the title 'ROYAL' in recognition and as a tribute to the countless repatriation ceremonies that have taken place since 2007.
Wootton Bassett lies on the route the corteges currently take from RAF Lynham to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford bringing out 100's of people not only from Wootton Bassett but also the surrounding districts. People have come out in all weathers to pay their respects as the town comes to a standstill to sadly watch the fallen heroes that pass slowly by on their last journey, the families these heroes have left behind and also to the armed services.
"The Queen had agreed to the tribute as an endearing symbol of the Nation's admiration and gratitude to the people of that town."
Wootton Bassett is Britain's third ever 'Royal' town.
Leamington Spa was granted the title 'Royal' in 1838 by Queen Victoria.
Tunbridge Wells was granted the title 'Royal' in 1909 by King Edward VII.
Both these Spa towns had petitioned for honour in recognition of their antiquity and Royal patronage of their facilities.
There are also a number of 'Royal Boroughs' in England.
Greenwich will become a 'Royal Borough' in 2012 in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Caernarvon in Wales was made a 'Royal Borough' by the Queen in 1963 and was allowed to retain the honour when it ceased to be a 'Borough' in 1974.
Troop repatriation will no longer continue via Wootton Bassett when RAF Lynham closes, but until such times, the staff who are based at ABD's Wootton Bassett Office, and many others, will continue to show their respects as fallen heroes pass by.
