Uttlesford is preparing for the Queen’s first visit to the area in more than two decades.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Felsted SchoolFelsted School (Image: Archant)

Her Majesty and Prince Philip will be at Felsted School, on May 6, as part of its 450th anniversary celebrations.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The late Queen Mother visited Felsted School in 1964 as part of the 400-year celebrations.The late Queen Mother visited Felsted School in 1964 as part of the 400-year celebrations. (Image: Archant)

The last time the Queen came to the district was in 1991 for the ­opening of Stansted Airport’s £400million terminal and to launch the Stansted Express train from Liverpool Street.

The late Queen Mother visited the school in 1964 as part of the 400-year celebrations.

The Queen will unveil two commemorative plaques at a special assembly in the Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by Princess Anne in 1989 – one plaque to celebrate the anniversary and the other to commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House, which was destroyed by fire in 2012.

Felsted School headmaster Dr Mike Walker said: “To have a ­reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450-year celebrations.

“The school is busy preparing for this royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time.”

On the same day, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be attending a service at Chelmsford Cathedral to mark the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, said: “Chelmsford Diocese is one hundred years old this year. People from all over this vast and diverse diocese, from East London and Essex, will be gathered in our cathedral to welcome Her Majesty the Queen.

“The Queen’s visit is the icing on the cake of our centenary year.

“It is an additional honour to welcome the Queen to the newest city in her realm.”

The Dean of Chelmsford Nicholas Henshall added: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming the Queen to this special celebration at Chelmsford Cathedral in our centenary year.

“It is going to be a celebration of the extraordinary contribution the churches make to the communities of Essex and East London, and a huge endorsement of the role of the church in public life.

“But this visit isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone in Chelmsford and across the region working for the common good.”

The service will be played on loudspeakers in the cathedral churchyard for the public to hear.