The Queen and Prince Philip received a rock star welcome yesterday as the Royal motorcade travelled from Dockyard to Government House.

Screams rang up and down Par-la-Ville Road from spectators, some who had staked their place an hour in advance.

They filled sidewalks and doorways, office windows and balconies from Par-la-Ville Road onto Woodlands Road.

The overall image was an amazing scene of students and office workers many with flags excited that the Queen was coming their way.

Bermuda High School student Catherine Campbell, 17, said: "I'm happy, basically because she's one of the few remaining representations that we have of the British colony influencing Bermuda.

"She's a woman who's been in charge of her country since she was very young and she's something for everyone to really rally around. That kind of strength in a female figure is really admirable."

Gordon Johnson, standing at the junction of Par-la-Ville and Woodlands roads said: "I think it's a rare privilege that you can get this close to the Queen and [the fact that it is] a part of history for the 400th anniversary."

The Queen and Prince Philip reached Hamilton via Middle Road from Dockyard, stopping at schools on the way.

Crowds lined the streets in patches throughout the route, with numbers especially high from TN Tatem Middle School all the way down to the Rubber Tree in Warwick.

Throngs of Warwick Academy students lined Middle Road in Warwick, from Lindo's to the entrance of Fourways Inn.

Approximately 650 Berkeley Institute students turned out for the Royal visit some waved flags, others took pictures.

Tashel Bean, 15, said: "I feel like she actually does care. She actually took the time to celebrate something important in Bermuda, the 400 years. The little wave (she gave) was a pay off, but it went by in a snap."

Sheneal Harris, 16, said: "I feel that it was really short. I was happy I actually videotaped it. (The Queen) looked very cute and she is gorgeous."

Alexis Smith, 17, said: "All day I have been excited to come out. I definitely love our Queen and I was definitely excited to see her today.

"And when I saw her it was amazing. This is probably the only time I could see her in my lifetime and I am glad I was at this age so I could appreciate it."

Teacher Keisha Douglas said: "This is a historic and important moment for them. One student standing near me burst out into tears when the Queen crossed, out of jubilation for seeing her Queen. In light of some of the bad publicity (the school) has had of late, it was beautiful for the Queen and the Duke, Governor and Premier and entire entourage to witness poised, proud, public school Berkleyites."

In Hamilton, offices emptied as hundreds left their workstations to see the Queen.

A regiment soldier who was part of the Guard of Honour in St. George's said: "It was a once in a lifetime honour. Not too many people get to experience being part of the Guard of Honour for Her Majesty."

BHS student Alexis Stovell, 16, said: "I'm pretty excited, yes, because it's a big moment in history. The last time she came was years ago. It's a big moment. I just want to see her. It's going to be pretty exciting."

Fiona Hunter brought both her son, Jack, and her daughter, Isabelle, to share an experience that she had as a child.

"I have a vivid memory of seeing the Queen when I was four. My son is four now."

Isabelle, she said, made special effort to dress up for the Queen, wearing shiny silver shoes for the event.

George Richards, who is visiting from Vermont, said the Queen typifies Royalty.

"I think she's a great symbol of hegemony and strength. If you believe in a monarchy or not, she's something that keeps us connected to our past."

British-born Wendy Davis brought a stuffed bear with a Union Jack on its chest to celebrate the visit.

"I used to work on Parliament Street in London, so I've seen her many times, but it never loses its impact. Nobody does pomp and circumstance like the British."

Nicole Daponte said that she would kick herself later if she had passed up the opportunity to see the Queen.

"She really shows the interconnectedness of people. She's revered the world over, but she came here to see us. I think it's pretty awesome."

Debbie Moore said: "Well, I am from the UK and I have never seen the Queen. It's exciting absolutely just that I can say I have seen her in person. I just like the fact that we have a Royal family."

Brian Patterson said: "I saw her 35 years ago at my grandparents' house on Point Finger Road and saw her come by in a convertible. I'm very excited to see her. It's kind of nice to be here with all the children."