THE QUEEN is set to make a historic visit to the county town this month.

Her Majesty, along with Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be in Poundbury on October 27 to unveil an iconic statue of the late Queen Mother.

The much anticipated 9ft 6in cast bronze statue is to be the focal point of Queen Mother Square in the heart of Prince Charles’ model village.

Mayor of Dorchester cllr Tim Harries said: “I am very much looking forward to the royal visit, it is great for the town and will be an historic event as it is the first time the Queen, along with her husband, Prince Charles, and his wife have all visited together.

"We were asked at our last council meeting if we were happy to take over the responsibility of the statue, which we have graciously accepted, and are grateful that it will now become part of the town fabric."

The statue has been created by celebrated sculptor Philip Jackson and will take pride of place opposite the Duchess of Cornwall Pub.

It is an exact replica of the Queen Mother’s statue which stands on the Mall in London and depicts her at the age of 51 when she was widowed.

Poundbury resident Margaret Morrissey, who has an OBE from the Queen herself, said: "We are all very honoured and excited to have Her Majesty visit Dorchester to celebrate the unveiling of the Prince Charles' beloved Grandmothers statue and the opening of Queen Mother Square.

"I met the Queen 40 years ago in Westminster Cathedral at celebration of the International Year of the Child with my son of three.

"As the Queen approached he said 'that's not the Queen she has no crown on', the Queen smiled at him and said, 'if I had known you were coming I would have worn my crown'."

Buckingham Palace have confirmed the royal visit is officially in the Queen’s diary and more details of the day are set to be released next week.

Whilst the day will mark the first time all four members of the royal family have visited Dorchester together, Prince Charles visits his Poundbury estate twice a year.

Poundbury is an urban extension of Dorchester, built in accordance with strong environmental views and architectural principles advocated by The Prince of Wales.

The Queen last visited Dorset in 2009 when she enjoyed the sights of Weymouth and Portland.