The royal couple was greeted with enthusiastic cheers and flag waving from crowds of townspeople and schoolchildren when they arrived at Much Wenlock to visit the Wenlock Olympian Society as part of their tour of Shropshire on 10th July 2003. The event took place on the playing fields at the William Brookes School.

Members of the Wenlock Olympian Club and local schoolchildren re-enacted competitions from the early Olympian Games along with displays of modern events.

It is rumored that the Queen, who has a keen interest in the Olympics, made a personal request to visit the Olympian Society in recognition of the organisation's role in the rebirth of the modern games.

People may be surprised to learn that the modern Olympic Games originated in Much Wenlock. A 19th century doctor, William Penny Brookes, concerned for the well-being of the townsfolk devised a series of annual games based on the classic Greek Olympics. The concept was adopted and developed by various groups throughout the world and ultimately resulted in the first International Olympic Games in 1896. The story of the Shropshire Olympic connection can be seen on the Society's web site at www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk.