As Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest, representatives from Cumbria’s tourism industry have been paying their tributes.

President of Cumbria Tourism, Jim Walker, said: “Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s oversight and wise stewardship of the British Monarchy has not only provided a firm foundation for our nation, but for us involved in tourism also a powerful and unique profile for the UK which has brought many overseas visitors to our shores, including our beautiful County.

“As we all come to terms with the sad news of her passing, it becomes increasingly clear just how immense her contribution to our lives has been on so many levels, perhaps in ways we had not previously acknowledged.”

Her Majesty and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the newly refurbished Beacon Museum in Whitehaven during a visit to Cumbria in 2008 and Deputy Mayor of Copeland, Councillor David Moore, was part of the contingent who welcomed the Royal party.

He commented: “When Her Majesty visited the borough with her husband it was a beautiful Whitehaven day. The weather really showed off our harbour and towns and they were very comfortable and at ease as they walked around the crowds who had gathered.

“They happily shared a joke or two with those gathered. It was an honour and a delight to have been present that day. Her Majesty was held in the highest regard by many in West Cumbria and we are saddened to hear of her passing.”

The Queen has also twice travelled on the Windemere Lake Cruises’ vessel MV Teal during trips to Cumbria. The first occasion was in August 1956 when she and The Duke of Edinburgh cruised from Ambleside to Bowness.

Nearly sixty years later, in July 2013, Her Majesty enjoyed a second cruise on the vessel when she was joined by The Princess Royal for a trip from Bowness to Brockhole. On that occasion, The Queen was shown around Bowness Pier by Windermere Lake Cruises’ Chairman Bill Bewley.

He said: “I remember her as a lovely lady who made me feel instantly at ease as we were talking together. She was an absolute delight. It was her gentle quality that people loved so much. She had an air of authority – but it wasn’t forced. It was a gentle authority.”

“She had a significant impact on our tourism as people flock to England to see her and enjoy our royal heritage and they appreciate what a wonderful head of state she was. She represented us all around the world and we will greatly miss her.”

Windermere Lake Cruises Managing Director Nigel Wilkinson also met Her late Majesty on the occasion she travelled with The Princess Royal as the Duke of Edinburgh was ill.

“We gave Her Majesty a Cumbrian hamper to take to the Duke of Edinburgh,” added Nigel. “She said ‘he will like that!’ She turned to an equerry and said please make sure that goes in the car. She understood Cumbria and it was a pleasure to host her in the county.”