Diamond Jubilee: Mr & Mrs Queen tie the knot

4 June 2012

A Hampshire couple have become Mr & Mrs Queen after marrying on Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Deborah Lester and Jon Queen exchanged vows at Petersfield Register Office before a reception complete with bunting and flags in their home village near Southampton.

Miss Lester, 39, and Mr Queen, 41, from Lockheath, first met at infant school aged five when they grew up in the village of Netley Abbey.

The couple got engaged last Christmas.

The pair only decided to get married on Diamond Jubilee weekend six weeks ago.

Miss Lester said: "Originally, we planned to go off to Las Vegas and do it sometime later in the year.

"But, a few of my friends suggested becoming Mrs Queen on Jubilee weekend would be a bit of fun and it went from there.

"I think Petersfield Register Office was the only one in the area open on Monday, so we were quite fortunate.

"It's been a bit hectic organising things at short notice, but it's been last-minute nerves more than anything else that have worried me."

Reunited online

Having been classmates all through infant, junior and high school, the pair lost contact in their 20s and 30s.

But, thanks to Facebook, Deborah and Jon were reunited nine months ago and began a relationship soon after.

Miss Lester, who works in corporate sales for Estee Lauder, was accompanied by three bridesmaids dressed in royal blue.

Her seven-year-old nephew Reece Williams gave her away, while also looking after the all important rings.

Mr Queen, a retail manager, popped the question on Christmas Day last year when he spelt out the words 'will you marry me' on a Christmas tree.

Around 45 guests attended the ceremony in Petersfield before an evening reception for more than 100 inside a marquee at Sandra and Ron Lester's house in Netley Abbey.