THE Queen and Prince Philip will pay a Royal visit to Romsey this summer to mark the 400th anniversary of the town's Royal Charter.

The royal couple will visit Romsey for the first time in four years to celebrate the moment King James I handed the town its Royal Charter in 1607, giving the community independence.

The charter effectively put the town on the map and meant civic officials could appoint their own mayor, aldermen and police officers.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also attended the 350th anniversary of the charter in 1957, just four years after Her Majesty was crowned. That visit was broadcast live on radio.

In 2003, when the last royal visit to the area was made by The Queen, she stopped off at Hilliers Arboretum in Ampfield to officially open the new visitor centre.

Her Majesty also unveiled a sculpture in Winchester outside the city's Crown Courts at the same time.

Commenting on the forthcoming visit, the Mayor of Romsey, Councillor Mike Richardson, said: "We are very privileged to be chosen.

"I am sure Romsey residents will be delighted to hear that a visit will take place and that our welcome for The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will outdo even the normally high level of support given to events in the town."

Buckingham Palace confirmed this week that the visit will take place on Friday, June 8, a day after the royal couple visit Portsmouth to dedicate a new chapel at the Adjutant General's Corps in Southwick Park.

On June 8, the Princess Royal will also be in the region, visiting West Cowes on the Isle of Wight in her role as patron of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy.