The face of Queen Elizabeth II can be recognised across the globe by millions.

Throughout her reign the monarch has been greeted by huge crowds during countless visits to towns and cities in both the UK and abroad.

And the Queen - who is Britain’s longest reigning monarch - has visited Harwich three times since she ascended to the throne 67 years ago.

Her first royal visit to the port town was back in 1958 when she toured Chelmsford, travelled through Witham and Colchester, before boarding the Royal Yacht Britannia to Harwich.

In 1981 she came to Parkeston Quay on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

But it was not until November 25, 2004, that she returned to Harwich for another official royal visit.

For that royal visit, crowds lined the streets to catch a glimpse of her and the Duke of Edinburgh who were on a trip to north Essex.

The royal couple first visited Harwich to mark the 400th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter.

They visited the historic Guildhall, in Church Street, the Electric Palace Cinema and the 1912 Centre.

They also walked around the quayside, talking to the royal watchers and receiving posies from the crowds.

On that royal visit to north Essex, they also visited Colchester, and after enjoying lunch at the Town Hall they headed to Essex University’s Wivenhoe Park campus to mark its 40th anniversary.

If we go a bit more back in time, we find that Katharine the Duchess of Kent was another royal who visited Harwich.

She visited Acorn Village, in Mistley, in January 1994, where she was greeted by cheerful residents, who handed her beautiful flowers.

Acorn Village is a residential home for adults with learning disabilities.

Residents were also lucky enough to have been visited by a number of other royals throughout the years - but among the most notable must be Princess Diana.

The national treasure’s sudden death caused by a car crash in Paris more than 20 years ago brought the country to its knees.

The beloved princess first came to the area to launch St Helena Hospice’s multi-million pound Joan Tomkins day centre, back in April 1988.

Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has also been a regular visitor of north Essex.

She has been photographed visiting Harwich in November 1986.

At a time where our royal family cannot meet and greet the public due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Queen herself has reached out to the nation on television sending out a message that we will not be beaten by Covid-19.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Charles, have also shared their messages of hope in these unprecedented times.

When the virus passes, the royals may even be able to pay visits to Harwich and North Essex once again.