The Queen made her first official visit to Norwich in almost eight years when she officially opened the Hostry Visitor & Education Centre and the Refectory Restaurant & Coffee Shop in May 2010.
"The Refectory and Hostry at Norwich are two of the most exciting and ambitious construction projects at an English cathedral in recent years. Their detailing is utterly contemporary, yet they rise within ancient walls. Each takes the historic function of a ruined medieval building and recasts it for the twenty-first century." English Heritage
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen arrived in the Cathedral Close by helicopter landing on the playing fields of Norwich School.
After being greeted by flag-waving crowds, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the service of thanksgiving to mark the formal opening of the Hostry and Refectory. As the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt. Revd Graham James, explained in his sermon, these buildings are the culmination of a dream dating back 40 years; built on a rock of prayer, faith and hard work this project is the largest addition to an English medieval cathedral since the Reformation.
After the service, the Queen toured the new buildings, where she met children from Morley Primary, near Wymondham, and church volunteers.
Audrey Kinder, a volunteer with the Broderers' Guild, said: “The Queen looked so stunning, I almost lost the power of speech.”
The Queen then unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit.
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Graham Smith, said: “We were delighted to host this important Royal visit which marked a very special day for the Cathedral and all who played their part in the completion of these landmark buildings.”
More information and photos of the royal visit
There are photos and information on the BBC website.