The Queen presented her personal Royal Victoria Orders to the tour organisers and other dignitaries at a ceremony before she flew home.

And it came as a great shock to at least one of the organisers, Mrs. Valerie Pethen, who said: "It was such a surprise. I did not know anything about it.'' Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the Bermuda Government, Mrs. Pethen became a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO), as did Bermuda Equerry Major William Madeiros.

The other two organisers, Deputy Governor Mr. John Kelly and Mr. Kenneth Richardson, also received awards. Mr. Kelly, who is already an MBE, became a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), while former Cabinet secretary Mr. Richardson became a Commander (CVO).

The Governor Lord Waddington, as expected, received the highest award, Knight Grand Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).

Mr. Kelly said: "Some of the people did not expect to get awards but it has been usual on the tour of the Caribbean and Central America for the Queen to present awards.

"These are the Queen's personal awards. In most cases the Prime Minister or other officials choose who gets an award, but these are the Queen's own personal choices.'' Queen Victoria instituted the awards in 1896 as a reward for personal service to the sovereign.

Mr. Kelly said that other people who had been involved in caring for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during their stay were also rewarded with gifts.

This group included the Government House butler and chamber maids.

After yesterday's awards ceremony the Queen and Prince Philip set off for the Civil Air Terminal.

Again Police officers could be seen at every junction and a handful of well-wishers waved as the Royal couple were driven by.

Around 30 people were waiting at the Airport gates to catch a last glimpse of the Queen.

She spoke to the Governor and Lady Waddington and the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan before boarding the plane with the Prince.

To the surprise of a number of onlookers, Prince Philip then walked back down the steps and after watching the Royal Air Force VC10 take off, was driven back to Government House.

He left the Island later in the day for a short break in the Bahamas before he flies to New York to present Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Mr. Kelly was delighted with the two day visit. He said: "It was superb. It was almost precisely as we had planned it.

"I was surprised by the numbers of people especially outside City Hall and in King's Square at St. George's.

"The Royal couple themselves said they found Bermuda an excellent end to their overseas tour.'' The Queen was blessed with two days of glorious sunny weather during the visit. Last night it started to rain.

CHEEKY SNAPSHOT -- Six-year-old Emma Simpson sneaks between HMS Malabar officers to get a snapshot of the Queen meeting other children. Emma is the daughter of one of the officers at the Royal Naval base. Her father, Chief Petty Officer David Simpson, is standing next to Emma, at right. More Royal Tour pictures, Page 5 .