THE people of York joined the Duke of York in the city's own tribute to the Queen Mother.

Nearly four years after he viewed the Minster's restored Great West Door, the Duke of York walked through it to attend a memorial service to his grandmother, who died last month.

Wearing a black tie, the Prince entered the Minster quickly yesterday after waving to gathered crowds.

But he took the time for a short chat after it finished.

"It was wonderful to see him," said Pamela Jew, a visitor from Worcester taking part in the National Bowls tournament in New Earswick.

"We came to see the Minster and ended up seeing a Prince."

There were between 800 and 900 people in the Nave for the service, with around 100 members of the public filling side aisles. About 200 people welcomed the Prince outside the Minster.

About 2,000 people packed the Minster later in the day for a special evangelical event, Just 10.

Updated: 11:34 Friday, April 19, 2002