Colchester: A proud day

Around nearly 500 officers from across all Essex Police commands – including local policing, specialist commands and volunteer officers from the Special Constabulary and police staff – formed part of the operation to welcome Their Majesties to Colchester City on Tuesday 7 March.

Large crowds lined the streets of the city joined by our officers and local dignitaries – including Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington – to welcome The King and The Queen Consort to celebrate Colchester receiving city status.

The day was a huge success with just one arrest made.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said:

“It was a hugely proud day, not just for Essex Police, but for all of the people of Colchester and our county.
“It was a huge honour for our county to welcome The King and The Queen Consort to Colchester and, in the spirit of service we have always seen from the Royal Family, hopefully today we have shown our commitment to serving both the Crown, our Monarch and the people of our county.
“It has been a huge partnership effort to make today such an enjoyable success. To that end we would like to thank our partners at Colchester City and Essex County Councils and Colchester Museums. We would also like to thank Colchester United who kindly allowed us the use of their stadium to brief our hundreds of officers ahead of the visit.
“Most importantly we would like to thank all of the local businesses in Colchester City who supported us in every respect and of course the good residents of Colchester and those who ventured from far and wide to be part of today’s celebration.”

Chief Insp Colin Cox, District Commander for Colchester said:

“The day was hugely proud moment for both myself, my team, our partners and our community.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we were able come together for such a proud moment in our city’s history.”