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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Iona Young

The moment the Queen visited Edinburgh's Gorgie City Farm and protocol was 'broken'

Following the sad passing of the Queen on September 8, tributes have flooded in, each one holding a unique memory of how the loved monarch touched their lives.

One local memory that would put a smile on anyones face was the heartwarming moment Her Majesty visited Edinburgh's Gorgie City Farm.

READ MORE - The Queen's corgis 'will be looked after by her children' after her death

Back in 2019, Elizabeth II took a trip to Gorgie to visit the city farm and all the volunteers and animals. She was pictured beaming as she walked around the farm even having a giggle when Olive a duck at the farm broke protocol by walking ahead of her.

The late Sovereign adored animals from her beloved corgis to the horses and farm animals on the acres of land at the Balmoral. The Queen owned more than 30 dogs in her lifetime and was said to love spending time in Aberdeenshire as she got to experience country life and as a child dreamed of marrying a farmer and living on a farm.

The farm also announced that as a mark of respect they would be closed on Friday September 9 but staff would still be in to take care of the animals.

Along with a beautiful picture of Queen Elizabeth II smiling while looking down at Olive the duck, a worker at the charity wrote on the Facebook page: "Hello everyone,

"Following the sudden and sad news about the death of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, we will be closed tomorrow as a mark of respect. Rest assured that staff will still be in attendance to care for the animals.

"In July 2019 we were honoured to receive a visit from the Queen. She can be seen here having a giggle when Olive the duck broke Royal protocol by walking ahead of her!"

They added: "She didn't seem to mind though, it's no secret the Queen was a great lover of animals. The warmth she showed to our animals, staff and volunteers was plain to see.

"To watch our Queen love our little farm as much as we all do was a beautiful moment we won't ever forget. Our love and thoughts will be with the family and friends of Her Majesty the Queen over the coming days."

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Following a rare announcement on Thursday September 8 that doctors were "concerned" for the Queen's health, she was placed under medical supervision. Royal Family members rushed to join her at her side, including son King Charles III and grandson Prince William.

A statement from the Royal Family announcing the monarch's death read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

You can find all of the latest information following the death of Her Majesty here.

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