Fans line street to greet Queen (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Fans line street to greet Queen

9:01pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been greeted by eager fans at a Diamond Jubilee event.

Well-wishers and tourists lined the street outside the Royal Opera House in central London for up to an hour to await the arrival of the royals.

Fans cheered and took pictures as the Queen and Duke attended the Gala Diamond Jubilee celebration, which will feature opera and ballet performances.

Before entering, the Queen was greeted by the Royal Opera House (ROH) chief executive Lord Hall, ROH chairman Simon Robey, director of Opera Kasper Holten and the Royal Ballet director Kevin O'Hare.

Her Majesty was then be presented with a posy by nine-year-old Rashema Brissett, who is on the Chance to Dance program, which inspires creativity in primary-school aged children.

The Queen thanked Rashema for the flowers before heading into the ballroom for the performances.

The Queen was dressed in a metallic silver dress with an attached white and silver lace bodice, which was designed by Angela Kelly.

At the end of the performance, the royal pair joined performers on stage, where the Queen was given flowers. This was followed by a rendition of the national anthem.

After the curtains were drawn, the Queen and the Duke met with performers, thanking them and asking them about their profession.

At one point the Queen could be heard saying to one of the ballet dancers that the choreography "must be complicated".