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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Queen's Jubilee: Sandy Row's Grace, 96, gets a right royal treat to celebrate

A South Belfast nonagenarian was crowned Queen of her very own street for the afternoon when she was a special guest at a right royal celebration – complete with a horse and carriage - to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

At almost 97-years-old, great-great grandmother Grace Graham shares many memories with the Queen as she celebrates 70 years on the throne.

So it was only fitting for Grace, as one of Sandy Row's leading ladies, to be the guest of honour at her local commemorative event on Friday afternoon.

Read more: Royal fan decks out Carrickfergus home to celebrate Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Dressed in a regal purple robe and sporting a crown on her head, Grace travelled around her local area in a horse and carriage, waving to family, friends and neighbours.

Following behind her was a group of local schoolchildren, carrying mini Union Jacks as the locals gathered for a street party to celebrate the milestone.

Grace Graham arrives in a horse and carriage dressed as the Queen (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Ahead of her special journey, Grace told Belfast Live : "I only got wind of all this last night and was told what time to be ready for this afternoon."

Grace originally hails from the Grosvenor Road but has lived in the Sandy Row area since her marriage to her husband Jim.

"I’ve a daughter of over 70, I’ve had six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The last time I counted the great-great-grandchildren there were over 20," she added.

Like the Queen, Grace also suffers with mobility issues following a fall last year but she remains upbeat.

"I have a son and his wife living across the street from me so they look after me, bringing me my dinner and things like that. I have a daughter living near me too so she comes down a lot.

"I would like to get out to see more of the Jubilee celebrations but because of my legs I can hardly walk now so I don't get out much. At least the Queen can still walk so I think she's doing well."

Sandy Row Platinum Jubilee street party (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Born in July 1925, less than a year before the Queen, Grace says the secret to her own long life lies in a can.

"I used to drink a Red Bull every day for years and then I was able to get up and clean the whole house, windows and everything.

"I was doing that up until I was 95 but then I had to go into hospital for an operation. The doctor told me to stop drinking it because it was bad for my heart."

Like many, Grace has huge respect for the long reigning monarch.

"She was only a wee girl when she came to the throne in 1952 but she was lovely and has done her job very well. I remember having street parties at the time of her Coronation and everyone was so happy and excited.

"This is a very special moment as we'll never see the like of it again. I want the Queen to keep going but these days I wonder who will go first, her or me?"

Read more: Beacons light up skies across Northern Ireland for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Read more: Queen's Platinum Jubilee: 42-gun salute heralds start of celebrations in NI

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