She has cut countless ribbons and opened endless factories, hospitals and community facilities across the globe during her nearly-seven-decade reign.
But some 75-years ago this month, the future queen visited Aberdeen and began the tradition that would last a lifetime.
On October 3, 1944, the then 18-year-old Princess Elizabeth opened the extension to the Sailor’s Home on the harbour-side Mearns Street, meeting local children and well-wishers.
She then visited the town hall, Torry nursery and Grandholm works.
While being very familiar with neighbouring Aberdeenshire, taking countless summer holidays at Balmoral through her youth, it was the first official opening undertaken by the young Elizabeth.
Just eight years later, following the death of her father, she began her reign.
Since then she has returned to Aberdeen countless times, opening landmarks like Aberdeen University’s Duncan Rice Library and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s rooftop garden.
Lord Provost Barney Crockett has uncovered rare details of her first trip – contained within a 1960 biography of the provost of the time, Tommy Mitchell, recently passed to him by its author, Margaret Johnston.
Mr Mitchell served in the role from 1938 to 1947 and the day of visits is recounted in detail.
Ms Johnston quotes from the Provost’s diary: “Everyone was surprised and delighted with the able way in which the princess performed the ceremony.
“She was a delightful person to be with and I am glad she had such a great welcome as she passed through a guard of honour of Sea Rangers after the opening.
“Even at that age the princess had a very royal dignity – graciousness and friendliness combined – and I had the feeling I was in the presence of a future queen.”
The Mearns Street building she opened has since been converted to housing.
Mr Crockett said: “This was her first ever opening and it is documented in official royal records as such.
“After the ceremony, she went for tea with then Provost Mitchell.
“It is quite incredible to think of the royal connections to the city, stretching back to the Queen’s first opening ceremony.
“I think the city has a very special link with the royal family and Her Majesty.
“The opening of Forresterhill was conducted by her father and she herself was in the north-east during the Second World War.”
