Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen officially opened the new pumping station, which protects the local area from flooding, on Wednesday, almost exactly 72 years since her father King George VI opened the original station on Feb. 2, 1948.

During her time there, the 93-year-old monarch toured the new station and met a group of staff who have worked for the company for over two decades.

The Queen also saw the plaque her father unveiled in 1948, before she signed the visitor’s book and unveiled a new plaque.

ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth visits Wolferton.ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (C) visits Wolferton Pumping Station in Norfolk, east of England on February 5, 2020

ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (C) visits Wolferton Pumping Station in Norfolk, east of England on February 5, 2020

Queen Elizabethtraditionally stays at Sandringham until Feb. 6, the date her father King George VI died in 1952 and she became the new monarch. Tomorrow marks 68 years since the Queen took the throne.

Queen Elizabeth.ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (C) visits Wolferton Pumping Station in Norfolk, east of England on February 5, 2020

The Pumping Station, which opened shortly after WWII, underwent a renovation the past 18 months to generate a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly station that will protect its local wildlife.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (C) visits Wolferton Pumping Station in Norfolk, east of England on February 5, 2020

The Royal Family have always enjoyed spending time at Sandringham, with King George VI, having written, “I have always been so happy here and I love the place.”

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This occasion marks the Queen’s second public outing since grandson Prince Harry andMeghan Markle‘s announcement that they intended to step back as senior members of the royal family. The Queen called Prince Harry, along with his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William, to an emergency meeting at Sandringham to discuss the matter in January.

On Jan. 23, the monarch was set to step out for her annual tea time with the local Women’s Institute near her Sandringham estate. However, a slight cold forced her to make a last-minute cancellation on her visit.

source: people.com