Walkabouts are now a familiar and much-loved part of Royal visits, but they are actually a relatively recent phenomenon.
In fact, the late Queen Elizabeth has been credited with inventing the Royal walkabout - just one of the ways in which she modernised the monarchy during her 70-year reign.
It was during the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1970 that the walkabout came into being.
Her Majesty decided to greet the crowds on foot, rather than driving to her next destination. It meant that she was able to meet many more people, rather than only the scheduled dignitaries.
The walkabout was instantly popular, and was adopted by other members of the Royal Family, to become a highlight of many visits.
Here in Suffolk, members of the public have had many opportunities to meet the Queen during walkabouts in recent decades.
In August 1985, the Queen and Duke toured Lowestoft town centre which was packed with people. During that visit, the Queen officially opened Queen Elizabeth II Place, with the unveiling of a plaque.
One of the most memorable visits came in July 2002 when, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Queen and Duke spent a full day in Suffolk, going to Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St. Edmunds.
Thousands lined the Waterfront in Ipswich on a sunny day as the Royal visitors made their way on foot. Later, in Bury, it was estimated that more than 10,000 gathered on the Angel Hill.
Seven years later, in 2009, the Queen and Duke returned to Bury for the Royal Maundy Service at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, with the Monarch handing specially-minted coins to 160 recipients.
After the service, the Queen and Duke went on a walkabout and chatted to many local people - all of whom have treasured memories of the day they met the Queen.
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