It’s been quite the hectic 24 hours for the country – but in case you missed it, Queen Elizabeth II paid a fleeting visit to Manchester this morning.
Headlines this morning have understandably been grabbed England’s triumphant 2-1 win over Denmark to advance to the final of Euro 2020, as well as the transport secretary’s announcement that fully-vaccinated Brits are permitted to travel to countries on the amber listwithout the requirement to quarantine on return. But a visit from Her Majesty The Queen is a no less significant event to our city.
It may not have been the most highly-publicised event prior to her arrival, but the reasoning behind HRH’s visit remains as important as ever.
From a stop-off on the Cobbles, to an unveiling at the Cathedral, she packed a lot into her short three-hour stay, but what brought Her Majesty to our region?
The Queen paid a visit to Manchester for some engagements today! Her Majesty wore a ruby and diamond brooch that originally belonged to the Queen Mother. The Queen had worn the piece for the last time at Christmas 2019. pic.twitter.com/DzAhTyBCrc
Her Majesty arrived at the famous ITV Studios set in Salford this morning around 11am, and met with TV bosses, Sir Peter Bazelgette and John Whiston, as well as some lucky cast members, before heading off on a tour of the behind the scenes of the continuing drama programme as part of her visit.
As well as getting to chat some of Corrie’s longest-standing cast members, including William Roache who has played the character of Ken Barlow since the first episode aired, Her Majesty also met the TV show’s film crew and heard of how it adapted practices to enable the show to keep filming throughout the pandemic.
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Social media was filled with images and videos of her arrival on the set of the iconic Manchester-based soap – which celebrated 60 years on air last November.
Weatherfield has rolled out the red carpet for the Queen today – sound on for the theme tune! pic.twitter.com/odKYJTroqu
Following on from her trip to Weatherfield, Her Majesty made her way over to Manchester Cathedral in the heart of the city centre.
She arrived outside the nearly 600-year-old building at around 11:40am.
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During her visit to the Victoria Street Cathedral, HRH met with several representatives and unsung heroes from a wide range of different support groups in the North West who have helped communities throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth groups, carers, businesses, and charity volunteers were among those Her Majesty met to listen to their stories and extend her gratitude.
That’s not all either, as one of the main reasons for her visit to the 17th-century Manchester Cathedral was to unveil a brand-new plaque to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the collegiate church.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRENKexjqpA/
Speaking on Her Majesty’s visit, David Walker – Bishop of Manchester – said: “The Queen has not done many visits in the last year, so for one of her first days out to be here in Manchester is very special.”
“Manchester has done itself proud [during the COVID-19 pandemic],” he continued.
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“The test isn’t how you enjoy the good times, but how you handle the bad times.”
The Manchester Gay and Lesbian Chorus also provided the soundtrack to the royal visit, singing songs by none other than beloved British band, Queen.
Her Majesty’s whirlwind visit has been described as “a very special day” for all involved.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Casemiro is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season
Danny Jones
Manchester United player Casemiro has confirmed that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The veteran CDM and European footballing legend joined Man United back in 2022 for around £70 million from his former team, Real Madrid, where he won everything over the best part of a decade.
Now, Old Trafford fan favourite ‘Cas’ (full name, Carlos Henrique José Francisco Venâncio Casimiro) is set to leave United following the expiration of his current and highly lucrative deal this summer.
Announcing his pending departure in an emotional video, the seasoned Brazilian midfielder admitted that he feels the time is right to leave the club – but not before giving his “everything” in the remainder of the current campaign.
Writing in the caption of the social media post, Casemiro said: “Knowing when stages come to an end. Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.
“Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal. Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans. Forever Red Devil.”
Responding underneath the partnered post, the club simply wrote: “Once a Red, always a Red.”
Now 33 years old and already being accused of being ‘over the hill’ even when he first landed in Manchester, Casemiro had an impressive first season under Erik ten Hag and quickly became a crucial cog in the squad; arguably, overly relied upon, some would say.
On the other hand, given his age and the fast pace of English football, it’s fair to say he’s done well to keep up with the most competitive league on the planet.
He is also one of the well-paid talents in the Premier League, so while the majority of supporters will be gutted to see him go, the board will still be relieved to see his estimated £350,000-a-week wages taken off the books.
Nevertheless, he is now regularly subbed off around the hour mark for Man United, and it’s not exactly a surprise that he is now preparing to move on. INEOS and their recruitment already look to be searching for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
They are looking to bolster their options as they chase down Champions League qualification
Bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, and now Michael Carrick‘s setup for what’s left of the 2025/26 term, he’s a big presence that will no doubt be missed in the dressing room and on the pitch.
Having scored 21 times in 146 games so far, he will finish the season with more than a century of appearances, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you see him chip in with a few more goals before hanging up his red shirt.
Besides being a serial throughout pretty much the rest of his career, the midfield remains a key point of contention at United, and his departure will no doubt mean more talent will need to be brought in at least by the summer.
You can see more of his farewell announcement video down below.
💬 “I will always carry this club with me. I will always be a Manchester United fan.”
Manchester City are reimbursing fans who travelled to watch their defeat against Bodo/Glimt
Danny Jones
A bunch of Manchester City players are preparing to refund fans who travelled to watch the shock defeat against Bodo/Glimt earlier this week.
In case you missed the surprising score, Man City were on the end of a very unexpected result against the Eliteserien side, losing 3-1 in what was the club’s first-ever win in the Champions League.
More than that, it was also the first time a Norwegian team had won in the competition in nearly two decades, making it a historic night for the nation, albeit one to forget for the Blues.
Following the European upset, as a gesture of goodwill towards supporters, select members of the squad from Pep Guardiola’s so-called leadership group have now pledged to cover the trip made by the dedicated away fans, from the match ticket itself to travel costs.
JUST IN: Manchester City's players are reimbursing fans who watched their Champions League defeat against Bodo/Glimt.
They are covering the cost of match tickets for game which Pep Guardiola's side lost 3-1 🚨
The message from City stars is as follows: “Our supporters mean everything to us. We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away, and we will never take it for granted.
“We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.”
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Scandinavian native Erling Haaland, who had a less-than-ideal return to his home country on Tuesday night, are said to be the individuals covering the fees
As per multiple reports, the figure is said to be just under £10k – approximately £9,357 spread across a total of 374 matchgoers, to be specific.
While the club and the players, specifically, have been praised by plenty for what many have labelled as a ‘classy move’, some are suggesting that the statement actually signals the opposite regarding their opponents, who shone on the night.
Scoring twice in quick succession midway through the first half before bagging the third and ultimately decisive goal in the 58th minute, it could have been four or five.
Bodo/Glimt had moments ruled offside and hit the woodwork in both halves.
Despite City pulling one back and showing promise of getting back in the game through Rayan Cherki, that momentum was quickly crushed when the aforementioned and only recently returning, Rodri, was sent off after a second yellow around the hour mark.
Following the arguably equally unexpected blow in the Manchester derby last weekend, it’s been a tough few days for the players and fans alike, but they still stand a chance of beating Arsenal to the Premier League title this season.
You can see the highlights from the Bodo/Glimt vs Man City game here.
Emily Sergeant -
8th July 2021 
