South Essex has welcomed various famous faces over the years - but none more so than members of the Royal Family.
Following the news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry expecting their second child, we have dug into the archive to rediscover snaps of when royalty has headed to Southend and Basildon.
The Queen was joined by Prince Philip as they opened the world’s first glass belltower in St Martins Square in 1999.
It was not Prince Philip’s first time in Basildon as he also headed to the Carreras Tobacco Factory close to 40 years earlier.
Duke of Edinburgh - Prince Philip chats to some of the girls who worked at the Carreras Tobacco Factory in Basildon during his visit to the premises in March 1960
They were also greeted by vast crowds when they headed to Southend seafront in 1999.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Basildon Sporting Village, while Prince Edward briefly got on the decks during a charity event.
Pump the volume - Prince Edward takes over from DJ Andi Bird (left) at a 24 hour sponsored disco dance in 1989
Scroll down to see more photographs of when members of the Royal Family headed to south Essex.
Gift - the Queen accepts flowers during a visit to South Woodham Ferrers in May 1981
Friendly faces - Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, says hello to two excitable youngsters when he paid a visit to Basildon Sporting Village in 2018
Meeting members of the community - the Queen walks in St Martins Square as part of her visit to Essex in March 1999
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Memorable moment - Geoffrey Williams, from Basildon, is made an MBE by Prince William during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in March 2014
In conversation - Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to a Basildon resident when she visited the town close to two-and-a-half years ago
Seeing double - the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh open the world's first glass belltower in St Martins Square in 1999
Coming face-to-face with royalty - South Essex Gymnastics Club coach Scott Hann visited Buckingham Palace and was made an MBE by Princess Anne in October 2017
Getting involved - William and Kate play boccia as they take part in a Coach Core session at Basildon Sporting Village
Congratulations - Basildon resident Deborah Rogan shakes hands with Prince William as she is made an OBE in 2016
Well-wishers - the Queen sees countless members of the community waving their Union Jack flags during a trip to Southend in 1999
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