Queen touches down in Australia
October 19, 2011
Queen Elizabeth II has been greeted by hundreds of well-wishers and dignitaries after arriving in Canberra at the start of her 16th official tour of Australia.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher headed the official party to welcome the Queen and Prince Philip at Fairbairn Air Base.
The Queen, wearing a blue-green coat, matching hat and black gloves, made her way down the aircraft's stairs minutes after her scheduled 6pm AEDT arrival, smiling and waving with Prince Philip close behind.
She moved to a dais for a 21-gun royal salute before the Federation Guard band performed the royal anthem and the Australian national anthem.
The Queen then inspected an honour guard of soldiers before mingling with the hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered at the air base.
The monarch was presented Aboriginal artwork as well as a bouquet from Margaret Cunningham, who presented the first bouquet to the Queen on her first visit to Australia in 1954.
A group of about 200 Canberra school children, chosen from each school in the ACT, were also among those who welcomed the Queen.
Her Majesty spoke to many and was presented with a toy corgi, more flowers and even a home-made paper crown.
"It's really exciting," said 11-year-old student Emily Prior.
Asked what the Queen's visit meant to him, James Rhodes, 11, said: "She's a nice old lady that's the same age as my grandmother, so be nice to her!"
Engagements
The Queen and Prince Philip were then driven to Government House, where they will spend the night before starting their royal engagements tomorrow.
The royal couple will spend most of their time in Canberra during the tour of Australia, with trips to Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, where the Queen will open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The visit will include private audiences with Ms Gillard, Ms Bryce and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
But there will also be time for public engagements including a visit to the Australian War Memorial, a visit to the Floriade flower festival and a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin.
The royal couple will also make a trip to Brisbane for a reception with people affected by the summer floods and cyclone, before visiting Melbourne.
Prince Philip will attend some events of his own, including a Duke of Edinburgh award reception.
The royal visit will end when the Queen and Prince Philip depart on October 29.
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