LEWES raised a glass as the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen back in 2013 when he visited the town for the first time in more than 30 years.

Hundreds of onlookers clutching flags had lined the soggy streets outside Harvey's Brewery waiting patiently for a glimpse of the royal couple.

Just before noon the convoy made its way over the Cliffe Bridge and swung through the brewery gates to loud cheers.

Some caught a glimpse of Her Majesty’s bright pink dress through the tinted windows before the doors opened and out stepped the Queen, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Well-wishers craned their necks for a glimpse of the royal couple as they chatted with dignitaries before moving inside and out of the drizzle.

Several onlookers even thought they saw Kate Middleton mingling with the crowds, but it was little Iris Marsh wearing a mask of her favourite royal.

The nine-year-old from Uckfield said at the time: “I’m the Queen’s biggest fan but I like Kate, too.

"I can’t wait to see her.”

Among the spectators huddling in the drizzle three friends stood to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple in their car.

Judith Alderton, Sally Buxton and Lin Pilfold said they had always followed the royals – and this was their chance for a close-up view.

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Sally added: “It is nice as the Queen may never visit Lewes again in our life- times.”

Her Majesty wore a cerise cashmere dress made by her personal designer Angela Kelly with black trim and a matching hat.

During the quick brewery tour she and the Duke helped start the brewing process on a batch of Elizabethan Ale, first created in 1953 to celebrate her Coronation.

According to Harveys chairman Hamish Elder the Duke was “extremely knowledgeable” about the brewing process.

After the tour the royal couple were given lunch in a marquee set up in the Harveys yard by the River Ouse.

On the menu was freshly-caught brill from Newhaven while drinks included Harveys Best Bitter and wines from Hastings, Ridgeview Estate in Ditchling and Nutbourne Vineyard in West Sussex.

After the visit cellar hand Matthew Durrant, 34, said: “We have had a wonderful time. It was very exciting but we were nervous.”

Harveys head brewer Miles Jenner said the royal visit had been “a great honour” for all his staff.