LAST minute preparations for the royal visit were continuing early today, ahead of the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice’s arrival in York.

At the Mansion House, members of York Flower Club were putting the finishing touches to their spectacular floral displays ahead of the civic lunch.

A special Maundy Money cake created by expert Anthony Springall in Scarborough has been put on display at Imaginative Icing, the cake decorating shop in Lendal, to mark the ceremony at the Minster.

Yesterday, at Artestee in Goodramgate, staff decorated the gallery with red, blue and white balloons alongside York artist David Smith’s picture of the Queen.

As crowds gathered near Micklegate Bar to welcome the Queen, Zoe Fletcher was preparing to stage a charity art auction at the nearby Bar Lane Studios.

Zoe said she initially had not realised the event this evening, which will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, would coincide with the Royal visit.

Works have been donated by some well known local artists, including Sam Strickland, Margaret Clarkson, Paul Talbot-Greaves and even Dame Judi Dench’s brother, Peter.

Zoe has already raised more than £6,700 for the charity over the past four years, having been touched by the illness in many ways and seen the different Macmillan makes to sufferers’ lives.

Four residents of Kirkbymoorside will be among those receiving the Maundy Money today. Eliza Treasure, Brian Wood and Geoff Booth were all nominated for their work with All Saints’ Church, while Ray Shore was put forward for his ties with the Methodist Chapel.

Meanwhile, YorMed ambulance staff were gearing up to staff the Micklegate Royal Street Festival due to be running all day today. Staff will be on hand to provide medical support for the thousands of people that are expected to flock to the street to celebrate with activities including re-enactments, street performances and outdoor fashion shows.

Chris Yorke, Emergency Care Assistant with YorMed, said: “This will be a great event and I am looking forward to catching a glimpse of the Queen as she comes down Micklegate.”