Thousands of cheering families from the area braved rain, storm and hail to witness the Queen's visit to Richmond Park on May 15, 2012.

Images of the event, hosted by the Royal Parks, Richmond Council and our most famous resident, Sir David Attenborough, will bring back happy memories for the many locals who attended.

Her Majesty was joined by Prince Philip for the visit which was designed to mark her Diamond Jubilee – celebrating her 60th year on the throne.

The event carried the theme 'Wild London' and was designed to celebrate the capital's woodlands, parks, gardens and open spaces.

The Queen watched Sir David Attenborough dig the first spade of earth for a Jubilee Pond being created in her honour.

The pond, located between Sheen Cross and the Royal Ballet School, was jointly funded by conservation charity Healthy Planet and the Friends of Richmond Park.

During her visit, the Queen also retired The Royal Parks' 17.3 hands tall Shire horse Jed, after almost a decade of loyal service, in a special presentation.

Director of Children's Services for Richmond, Ian Dodds, who organised the Wild London event, said: "What I do remember was the dreadful wet weather that we had before and during the event which resulted in a last-minute change to the Queen arriving in a Land Rover to cope with the wet grass and mud.

"There were four events in London over two days, each of which showcased different aspects of life in London that had special significance for the Queen.

"Richmond Park was chosen as it is London's largest royal park, a national nature reserve, a special area for conservation and an important habitat for wildlife."

After meeting many groups who use the park for sporting, social and other activities, the tour culminated in a performance by pupils of the Royal Ballet School at White Lodge.

It is not widely known that the Queen's parents, the then Duke of York and his new bride, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, lived at White Lodge, which later became home to the students of The Royal Ballet School.

Queen Elizabeth II's birth certificate gave White Lodge as her parents' home address. This is marked in a photograph of the Queen as a baby being held by her mother on the steps of the building.

After the ballet performance, the royal couple were treated to afternoon tea in Holly Lodge Gardens, which was prepared by the Ham and Petersham Women's Institute.

While at the Lodge, she unveiled a plaque for a new holly tree, and met young and adult riders from the charity Riding for the Disabled.