These are some of the comments from the people who turned out to watch the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they passed through Hamilton yesterday afternoon.

Canadian-born Jim Hoy, said that while he had never seen the Queen before, he felt like he had grown up with her. "She's a sign of unity in this troubled age. It really is a great honour to see her."

Eric Peets, from Smith's, brought his four-year-old son out to see the Queen as she was driven down Front Street.

"I'm here because it is a historic event, but mostly I'm here for my son. I've been telling him about it all week, but it goes in one ear and out the other!"

Michael Judd, of Pembroke, said: "It is an honour and a privilege to have the Queen here. I think we should all be grateful that she's taking the time to visit Bermuda for its 400th anniversary."

Samto Porpilia said the Island felt safer with the Queen here, adding: "Since her arrival, she has put Bermuda in a better mood, in a safer mood. Sooner or later, the Government is going to have to decide if they are British or not."

Bermuda High School (BHS) student Lillian Griffiths, 9, said: "I was very excited. I liked when she waved."

A Police officer who was monitoring the crowd said: "Everybody seems really excited and happy. The children just seem exuberant. There have been no problems with the crowd at all. It's been fun. It's definitely been an experience."

Melissa Looby said: "I am here to be a testament to history. It's an experience that I can tell my children one day about how I saw the Queen."

BHS counsellor Niamah Denbrook said: "I am very excited to see the Queen on Bermuda's 400th anniversary. It's interesting that her fashion has coordinated with all the events. Also, all the kids at BHS are excited as we have our Queen Elizabeth Hall. It means a lot for us as a school to be able to greet her."

BHS student Catherine Araujo, 16, said: "I'm happy because we've never seen her before and she's from England. She's a role model. Basically the fact that she's come here first makes me feel privileged. We respect her greatly and she's just an honourable lady and it's so exciting because she's awesome."

Students at Berkeley Institute student were unanimous in their praise for the Queen and excitement about her visit.

Marshall Stoneham, 16, said: "I think it is good that she still cares about us little people. I think it's great I get to see the Queen in my lifetime, this isn't video or a recording, it's real life. I'll always remember this day so I can definitely tell my children."

Johnae Tucker, 15, said: "It's pretty exciting to know that we have an opportunity to see the Queen at our school, I saw her yesterday but I'm looking forward to getting a better view of her today.

"Yesterday it was something new for me to experience and I will always remember the day the Queen came to Bermuda to grace us with her presence."

Jahlae Albuoy said: "I thought it was pretty good. I was kind of excited, I've never seen the Queen before in my life and it was a great experience for everyone."

The fervour before the Queen's arrival was at an equal pitch.

Chyone Harris, 16, said: "I think it's going to be a great experience being able to see the Queen of England for the first time. I know it's very rare to see her knowing she comes every once in a while.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for all students to be able to witness this, it's so typical of a warm Bermuda welcome."

Prefect Sheneal Harris, 16, said: "I think I am going to feel moved by this because this can be a once in a lifetime experience. I don't know when I am ever going to see her again. I am really excited to have this opportunity, she is one of the main figures in the world and especially to Bermuda and I'm glad I can monitor the S1 students (while they) see her and show that our school can be active (and) mature young adults."

Precious Cooper, 13, added: "I'm very excited for the Queen coming here because she can see the whole school together and enjoy the school spirit."

For Miss Cooper, yesterday presented the second opportunity for a brush with Her Majesty. She first saw the Queen four years ago, when she was nine years old.

"I remember her being young so I want to see how she looks now. I remember her being nice (and) shaking everyone's hand."