They say every great performance comes with a few nerves.

It’s a reassuring thought for county archivist Elizabeth Hughes, who will show the Queen around The Keep archive in Moulsecoomb this afternoon.

Admitting she felt “terribly nervous”, she said: “I’m trying to find a few quiet moments so I don’t get people’s names wrong.

“I’m obviously incredibly proud, but it’s a huge responsibility. I just hope I don’t run out of things to say.”

The Keep will provide a home for all the archives and historical resources of East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, plus the special collections of the University of Sussex.

Opening to the public later this year, it will also include the library and headquarters of the Sussex Family History Group.

Today, the Queen will be shown old records of the Brighton Carnival as well as faded letters written by famous author Rudyard Kipling.

Excited schoolchildren from Moulsecoomb Primary and Brighton Aldridge Community Academy have also been invited along to meet the royal couple.

Mrs Hughes said: “We knew someone important was coming, but it was marvellous when we heard it was the Queen.

“We are so proud of the building and we want to show it off to the most important person in the country. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

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