WITH just days to go before the Duchess of Cambridge arrives in Grimsby, we have been looking back at previous Royal visits to the town.
Although the Grimsby Telegraph has records stretching back as far as 1216, when King John visited Grimsby and granted Charter of Liberties, the majority of our archives are devoted to more recent visits.
From the Duke of Edinburgh visiting Grimsby docks back in 1949, to his return trip with the Queen almost a decade later; Princess Diana opening her namesake hospital in 1983 and, in more recent years, Princess Anne's visit to Foresight in 2008 – we have been trawling through our library to find pictures and snippets from the events.
And we're keen to hear from you about your memories of visits gone by.
GALLERY: Royal visits to the Grimsby area (1912-1976)
GALLERY: Royal visits to the Grimsby area (1977-1988)
GALLERY: Royal visits to the Grimsby area (1993-2008)
Mick McArthur, who was 24 and living in Scartho when Princess Diana opened the hospital, said he had fond memories of giving the People's Princess a "big, sloppy kiss".
He used his position working as gardener at the Scartho Road hospital to sneak through the crowds and put himself in prime position.
He said: "I sneaked through the back, which was the annexe then,'' he said. "There were no police there.
"I went right up to the front door, placed my bike next to me and I just stood there and she waved at everybody and I said 'she's gorgeous'."
Mr McArthur then had to wait while the Princess went into the hospital – but it was worth it. An hour later she came out and walked straight towards him, perhaps recognising him and his distinctive bike, which he built himself.
"That's what got me," he revealed.
"She just held out her hand and I kissed it. It was a big sloppy kiss!"
If you have memories of the visit, or a Royal encounter you would like to share, send us your memories and pictures to newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
We're also collecting your messages for Kate Middleton, which you can send us by commenting below; tweeting us using #gykate or emailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
