Queen of Wolverhampton celebrates her birthday with community

• Local lady shares same birthday as HM The Queen and is nicknamed ‘The Queen of Wolverhamton’

• Maureen Higginson, 61, visited the community and even gave some surprise ‘knighthoods’

The local Wolverhampton community were given a royal welcome on HM The Queen’s 90th birthday by the queen herself.

Asda Wolverhampton’s community champion, Maureen Higginson, shares her birthday with HM The Queen and although she is 29 years younger than Her Majesty, customers often refer to her as ‘The Queen of Wolverhampton’.

To celebrate, Maureen dressed as HM The Queen and visited the local community, including Gathering Space Dementia Cafe, Wolverhampton Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Blackenhall Community Resource Cente, Ashley Court Care Home and Tabernacle Soup Kitchen.

And what does royalty do on their birthday? Maureen spent the day visiting the community and knighting local residents in a special birthday honours list.

Maureen Higginson said: *“*Customers always come into store and wish me a happy birthday as it’s an easy date to remember, especially this year being Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

“Everyone was so happy to see me dressed as HM The Queen and any said they felt honoured to be in the presence of Wolverhampton royalty on such a momentous day. Visiting the community and greeting people is a pivotal role of The Queen, whether at Windsor Castle or in Wolverhampton.

“Obviously today’s been a bit of fun for us at Asda Wolverhampton, but we all wish HM The Queen the very best on her special day.”

Dianne Henry said: “When Maureen came to the soup kitchen dressed as HM The Queen, we were all laughing – she looked great!

“When she told me that I had made it on to her birthday honour’s list, I didn’t know what to think, but Maureen told me that I deserve the recognition thanks to the work I do in the community.

“I must thank Maureen for taking the time to come in to the soup kitchen as I know she has had a busy day – it’s not easy being royalty!”

Maureen, 61, has worked in Asda’s Wolverhampton store for 15 years and celebrates her birthday every year like the queen that she is.