A ‘PROUD’ navy veteran who met the Queen when she visited Redditch said she was a ‘really friendly’ woman.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Redditch in 1983 to officially open the ‘Paolozzi Mosaics’ in Milward Square.

Her Majesty was greeted by huge crowds in the Kingfisher Centre.

As well as residents, she was welcomed by 12 members from HMS Kingfisher. 

The ship’s representatives from its 24 members assembled on parade next to a model of HMS Kingfisher which was housed in a glass case.

The ship’s commanding officer Lieutenant James Donaldson was presented to the Queen while she spoke to several members of the ship’s company.

Stuart Rogers, who was the head of communications on HMS Kingfisher has recalled his interaction with the Queen as a “proud moment”

Stuart who was 29 when he met the Queen said she was a really friendly person

“She knew I was a leading radio operator and was asking me about what I was doing currently,” said Stuart,

“She was very clued up and knew information about anyone.

“I am really proud to have had the opportunity to speak to her.”

Stuart, who lives in Kidderminster, said before the ceremony Lieutenant Donaldson was presented with a huge cake of HMS Kingfisher to hand to the Redditch mayor.

The mayor, Betty Passingham, was invited to give the cake to a home for ‘underprivileged’ people.

“After the visit, we went to the Headless Cross area and visited some elderly people’s homes who were ex-navy,” added Stuart.

“We then slept at the police station for the night, and I drove us all back down to Plymouth the following morning!”

Stuart, now 68, left the navy in 1990 and during his time he also met King Charles III twice whilst in the West Indies on naval duties.