The Queen has joined Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer in congratulating a regional daily on its 150th anniversary.

The Eastern Daily Press has celebrated 150 years in business with a message from Her Majesty, whose Sandringham residence is on the Norwich-based title’s patch.

The EDP was launched on 10 October 1870.

A special pullout featured inside Saturday’s edition, pictured below, to mark the occasion, while the newspaper has run further content on the milestone throughout this week.

In her message, The Queen said: “Please convey my warm thanks to the staff and readers of the Eastern Daily Press for their loyal greetings, sent on the occasion of your one hundred and fiftieth anniversary which is being marked today.

“Since the newspaper’s first issue in 1870, you have continued to keep Norfolk residents, including my own family, informed about events happening near Sandringham and across East Anglia.”

The Prime Minister also sent his congratulations, alongside Labour leader Sir Keir and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.

Mr Johnson said: “The Eastern Daily Press has been the voice of East of England for a remarkable 150 years and I’d like to personally congratulate them on reaching this historic milestone.

“I was fortunate enough to visit the EDP last year to see their newsroom firsthand and to experience what they’re doing for the local community.

“Throughout the pandemic huge numbers of people have been turning to their local news outlet and it’s fantastic to see the EDP is able provide a vital source of news and information at such a critical time.”

Sir Keir added: “I congratulate all the staff, past and present, at the Eastern Daily Press on this historic anniversary.

“So much has changed in the past 150 years. But trusted local and regional news remains vital to our communities and our democracy. I urge those who can to support titles like the Eastern Daily Press and buy a local paper.”

And Sir Ed said: “This anniversary is an incredible milestone, marking decade after decade of service to communities across Norfolk and the East of England.”

EDP editor David Powles told HTFP: “It’s been really heartening to receive so much positive feedback about the work we do, and the odd bit of constructive criticism where need be of course.

“It’s been a timely reminder of just how much the EDP continues to matter to so many people.”