The royal couple visited the True's Yard Fishing Heritage Museum at King's Lynn which itself was once a thriving fishing port in days gone by. The museum preserves the history of the fishing industry in that part of the East Coast where herring fishing in particular was a major activity. A curing house has now been added so visitor can see how kippers and smoked fish are produced.

True's Yard is now all that remains of King's Lynn's old fishing community. Known as the North End it existed for hundreds of years, and was finally demolished in the clearances of the 1960’s.

Once hundreds of fishing in an area which had its own boat builders, chandlers, sail makers, pubs, bake houses and school. Now, although the fishing fleet still sails regularly from King's Lynn, the old way of life has gone.

The centre is also an important location of people researching the history of deep sea fishing in Britain. The chairman of the trustees Dr Paul Richards said: "It was a great honour for the Queen and Prince Philip to visit us.She showed a great interest in the buildings we have restored and she was fascinated by the stories about the people who once lived here."

However, just before the royal visitors left the Duke noticed they had not signed the visitors book. It was hurriedly provided and the Queen and Prince Phillip duly added their signatures.

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