People lined the streets to greet her majesty who, after opening the shopping centre, visited the Hastings Museum and the local RNLI lifeboat team.
She was also presented with a silver winkle by Hastings Winkle Club.
The Queen also visited St Leonards Primary School and took off from the school field in a helicopter.
Observer photographer Justin Lycett was there to take these pictures.

1. Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997
Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997 Photo: staff

2. Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997
Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997 Photo: staff

3. Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997
Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997 Photo: supplied

4. Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997
Queen's visit to Hastings in 1997 Photo: staff
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