Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited Rutland, causing an outpouring of enthusiasm for the royal family in the county town of Oakham.

The Duke and Duchess, Edward and Sophie, visited Rutland Showground, The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Statue, The Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Garden and Oakham Castle, where Their Royal Highnesses unveiled a new horseshoe to add to the collection.

The pair arrived at a bustling Oakham Castle just after 11am and spent time meeting local children from primary schools across Rutland.

Officials, students, dignitaries and members of the local military were in attendance.

Rutland's Chair, Andrew Brown, welcomed Their Royal Highnesses to Oakham Castle, where a new horseshoe was gifted to the historic Norman building.

In a quiet moment with Oakham Nub News amid the revelry, Mr Brown commented: "I think it has been very successful. The weather hasn't been the best but of course the sunny disposition of Rutland residents has more than compensated for that. All of the children seem to have had a lovely time, Their Royal Highnesses stayed a chatted, and I think it has been a really good day for everyone involved and the people of Rutland."

Students from local secondary schools and colleges were also in attendance, many of whom are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

One Catmose student who is undertaking his D of E Award, Oliver, added: "It was very nice meeting the Duke and Duchess. They are lovely people. We spoke to them about our Duke of Edinburgh experience, what we did, what activities we did, the roles everyone had - it was a lovely experience."

The students resumed their day at school in the afternoon, which they said would "not be quite as fun!"

The Duke and Duchess then headed to Oakham Library grounds to view the new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II - the first memorial to the late Queen in the country.

They met local people, dignitaries and officials, including MP Alicia Kearns and Oakham's former Mayor, Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth.

The pair also took time to chat to local residents. Linda, an Oakham resident, commented: "I think it's wonderful that they are visiting and seeing the statue of Her Majesty. Very exciting. Amazing."

Sculptor Hywel Pratley also attended the visit, where the royal couple took time to chat to the creator of Rutland's statue of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

He said: "It is very exciting. This is the first time I have met any member of the royal family and I am excited for them to see my work. The best thing about having a statue in a public space has really been the reception of the community. I understand that it has had a good reception and that there has been a steady stream of people coming to visit. I heard that tea and coffee and cake sales have increased in local cafés too," he laughed.

The statue was commissioned by Rutland's Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Sarah Furness, pictured below.

Rutland's Lord-Lieutenant said to Oakham Nub News: "I knew that this Royal visit would be a success from the moment the Royal motorcade drove into Oakham Castle grounds to be greeted by hundreds of Rutland primary school children waving masses of flags and cheering loudly. It was such a welcome!"

Dr Furness continued: "Their Royal Highnesses were delightful and were clearly delighted to engage with many people as they visited the venues. It was a great opportunity to show case our historic Castle, beautiful Rutland Water, our historic Agricultural Society, and our wonderful food (The Olive Branch provided lunch on the Rutland Belle).

"However, best of all was the opportunity to show to The Duke of Edinburgh Rutland's tributes to both his parents. Our wonderful statue of Her Late Majesty's statue was admired by the Royal couple and met their approval. They were also pleased to visit The Memorial Orchard to the Late Duke of Edinburgh.

"I am so delighted that the Royal couple chose to visit Rutland and that they enjoyed the visit so much. I thank everyone involved."

The Duke and Duchess admired the statue of the late Queen in what must have been an emotional moment for the Duke in particular, who was viewing the country's first memorial statue of his mother unveiled since her passing.