Following his death, aged 99, we remember when he officially opened the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) South Downs hostel in Beddingham, near Newhaven.

Scores of well-wishers waving banners and sporting Union Jack attire lined the soaking streets to welcome Prince Philip and The Queen to the £5 million centre.

Muddy feet and a spot of rain were not a concern for the loyal fans of the monarchy.

Some spectators, who had been waiting for hours, were duly rewarded for their patience when the royal couple arrived by car just after 11am.

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Amid the whirling sound of a police helicopter overhead and an abundance of cheering fans, Caroline White, chief executive of the YHA, welcomed the special guests to the centre before leading a guided tour of its facilities.

First port of call for Her Majesty and Prince Philip were the hostel’s “glamping pods” – small wooden domes for youngsters to stay in.

Intrigued, Prince Philip asked a group of children whether they experienced problems with mosquitoes when they slept inside the pods.

But before the awestruck youngsters could answer, Her Majesty corrected him. “Not in this weather, Philip!” she joked.

Prince Philip was all smiles on the visit

All eyes still firmly fixed on the royal pair, the Queen then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the centre’s official opening before accepting flowers from four-year-olds Tom Chapman, brother Ben Chapman and fellow four-year-old Abigail Venter.

Abigail, a pupil at South Malling Primary School in Lewes, said of her big moment: “I said these are for you, your majesty, and did a curtsy as well, which I had been practising. “She then said thank you. She liked them.”

Lisa Venter, Abigail’s mum and operations manager at YHA, said: “What an amazing experience.

It’s something Abi can cherish when she’s older, and a story she can tell her children and grandchildren.

“When I originally told her about it she was a bit worried because the

queens she’d seen were from Disney movies and they were a bit nasty.

“But she was lovely and Abi had a great time.”

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Before the Queen and Prince Philip made their exit, the Duke sparked laughter during a conversation with a local farmer.

Prince Philip asked Martin Brickell, of neighbouring Brickell Farm, what kind of cows he owned.

Mr Brickell said: “I told him we had mixed continental, and he replied ‘Oh god’ and shook his head. It was very funny.”

After a 35-minute tour, Her Majesty and Prince Philip left the venue for their next destination, leaving hundreds of buzzing fans and officials to tuck into a delightful-looking home- made feast fit for royalty.

After the visit, Mrs White beamed: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“The Queen and the Duke loved it and couldn’t believe what an amazing hostel we have here.

“They were impressed with the rooms and the beds and were surprised with the level of comfort we offer young people.”