The Queen has been a key figure in all of our lives for over seven decades, but for some, she has had a huge impact. 

Ellie Durham, 28, from Darlington, was saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen and reflected on her experience at a Royal Garden Party in 2017.

She had the privilege of attending the Garden Party after being taken as a guest by her great gran, Dora Cooper, who Ellie describes as a "legend and a half". 

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Dora attended the party with Ellie, and her daughter, Helen Woodgate of Wakefield, at the age of 102.

They had been invited as Dora was the widow of a prisoner of war - Frank Cooper, who was captured and held in Greece during the Second World War.

She has also been a finalist in the Pride of Britain award, nominated after her 100th birthday after raising large sums of money for charity. 

The Northern Echo: The Queen warmly greets guests at her Buckingham Palace Garden party in 2017The Queen warmly greets guests at her Buckingham Palace Garden party in 2017 (Image: Ellie Durham)

Ellie explained that she, Dora, and her aunt "met various members of the Royal Family, and had a lovely day all around."

"We were able to say hello to the Queen and Prince Philip - it was such a magical day.

"It was amazing to see the Royals, they were all dressed impeccably, and the gardens were turned out beautifully. 

"The band was amazing too, and all of the food was very extravagant. Overall, there were lots of really interesting people there."

Meeting the Queen and Prince Philip was certainly a highlight for Ellie and her family: "We were very fortunate to meet them both.

"They were very polite and smiley - especially the Queen, who was turned out beautifully."

The Northern Echo: Ellie Durham and her family. Ellie Durham and her family. (Image: Ellie Durham)

The kindness and warm welcome that her family received from the Royals have stuck with Ellie, giving her a deeper and more personal appreciation of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The whole country has been in a 10-day period of national mourning, following the death of Queen Elizabeth. 

Her state funeral was today, with a ceremony attended by hundreds of influential figures. She now rests in the chapel in Windsor, alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, her parents, and her sister Margaret.  

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