A NEW exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum marking York 800 has won the Royal seal of approval.

The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice of York spent three quarters of an hour viewing medieval objects, paintings and manuscripts brought together for the first time to commemorate the 800th anniversary of York being granted a Royal Charter by King John.

Highlights of ‘1212: The making of the City,’ included the Middleham Jewel, the finest piece of gothic jewellery found in Britain, and the remains of 2 shrines dedicated to St William – York’s own patron saint.

An exhibition of costumes created by York College students also attracted the Royals’ interest, with one revealing costume prompting the Queen and Duke to joke to the Princess that they hoped it wasn’t ‘giving her any ideas.’ The Royal Party also met youngsters who will be taking part in the Mystery Plays this summer in the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, just yards away from the museum in the Museum Gardens.

The Princess said she had thoroughly enjoyed her first official visit to York, and revealed she may return to the city this summer - prompting an invitation by Plays organisers to come and watch the outdoor spectacular.

Outside, a group of children were allowed to come forward to present flowers to the Queen as she departed, including Ella Jones, 10, of Scarcroft Hill, who handed the monarch a bunch of yellow tulips.

Ella said the Queen had told her: “It’s nice to meet you,’ while Princess Beatrice had said she hoped she enjoyed a happy Easter.

Her mother Melanie said it was an afternoon Ella would never forget for the rest of her life.