The Queen took the route enjoyed by commuters and tourists yesterday — and caught one of Bermuda's fast ferries to Dockyard.

And as she and the Duke of Edinburgh got ready to board J.L. Cecil Smith with Prince Philip, hundreds of people lined up from Number One Shed to Albuoy's Point to get a glimpse.

The Royal couple had come from a service at the Anglican Cathedral and were heading to Dockyard to tour displays at the Clocktower and to see a mural depicting 400 years of Bermuda's history.

The Queen waved to the crowds as she was greeted by Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling and Alderman Pam Ferreira.

She stepped onto a red carpet leading to the ferry, flanked by Prince Philip, Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney, Premier Ewart Brown and Wanda Henton Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

Students from First Steps Nursery stood behind the barriers outside Albuoy's Point with flags and flowers. Teacher Jennifer Bielby said: "We would love to give the Queen flowers. We've been waiting since 10.30 a.m. The kids are excited, we are excited."

As the ferry passed through Hamilton Harbour, more people stood at the Fairmont Hamilton waving Union Jacks.

When Her Majesty stepped off the ferry, she accepted three bouquets — the first given to her by Joy Nash, who was ecstatic.

"They're from my garden, local Bermuda flowers. I thought she would like something like that. I'm just overawed. I'm very happy that she came and got them. I've never seen her before."

Also present at Dockyard was British-born Peter Smith, a veteran of the Second World War who was given a medal of honour from the Queen when she was Princess Elizabeth. Mr. Smith, who is in his 90s, was also given an MBE in 1946 for his service in the war.

He said: "She gave me these medals. I fought for the British. I've seen her before."

Prince Philip visited the Spirit of Bermuda and then rejoined the Queen for a tour of the Clocktower where they were met by Wedco chairman and MP Walter Lister.

In the Clocktower, they enjoyed an historical re-enactment of a Bermudian wedding by pupils from Sandys Middle School and met former Naval Dockyard apprentices and cedar carver and former Premier David Saul.

The Royal couple also heard 102-year-old Hilda Smith play the national anthem on a piano.

The Queen listened as the retired schoolteacher, who is now wheelchair bound, played the tune.

The performance was followed by four schoolboys who spoke the words of Dockyard apprentices, some of whom were sent to Portsmouth in the early 1950s to learn their trade.

The Queen later met the former apprentices, including AME Church Presiding Elder the Rev. Malcolm Eve, 76, who travelled to the UK aged 16 for a four-year apprenticeship as a shipfitter in 1949.

Rev. Eve said afterwards: "We were excited to be going and the family I stayed with the Bundles they treated me like one of their sons. The only thing I could never get used to was the British weather."

He camped overnight on the streets of London to see the Queen's Coronation procession and he joked about how with a "wave" the new Sovereign flashed by.

Spectator Sekai Wainwright, 9, of West End Primary School said: "I'm very excited to see the Queen because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm so excited."

Another West End Primary School student, nine-year-old Deneo Brangman said: "Yes I'm happy. It was special because it was my first time."

The Royal couple also visited the Maritime Museum where they saw a special drum line presentation and unveiled a plaque.

In Commissioner's House they had lunch and viewed a mural depicting Bermuda's 400 years before leaving.

The Queen officially opened the mural, by artist and sculptor Graham Foster.

The acrylic artwork painted on marine ply took more than three years to complete on an internal stairwell of the Maritime Museum.

In intricate detail, all the major events from the Island's history are shown from their association with Spanish explorers in the 16th century to the wreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, to a tiny image showing how local Police used to measure the lengths of girls' shorts.

¦ Have you been to see the Queen and Prince Philip? Did you take pictures or videos? If you did, we'd like to see them so we can highlight the 'people's pictures' in the paper or on our website. Send them to photos@royalgazette.bm