Recent days have been among the toughest in her reign after the passing and funeral of her beloved husband Prince Philip.
Today, as she marks her 95th birthday, we send our heartfelt best wishes with a reflection on some of her four visits to the borough.
One shows her at the opening of the Tyne Tunnel in 1967 and some are from July 1977 on the Silver Jubilee visit to South Shields.
A selection of images comes to us courtesy of Fietscher Fotos of South Shields which was the name of Freddie Mudditt’s photography studio. Its Facebook group, which is run by Freddie’s daughter Julia Northam, can be found here.
Did you get to meet the Queen and what do you remember of the occasion? Browse through this photo collection as we pay tribute to the Queen.
1. Pictured in 1977
The Queen on her visit to South Shields 44 years ago. Did you get to meet her? Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos) Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos)
2. Waving to the crowds
The Queen and Prince Philip wave to the public as they arrive at Gypsies Green in 1977. Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos) Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos)
3. Welcome Your Majesty
The Queen arrives to a warm welcome in South Shields in 1977. Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos) Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos)
4. Meeting the public
What a reception for the Queen and Prince Philip in 1977. Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos) Photo: Freddie Muddit (Fietscher Fotos)