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.

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

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

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

