The Queen received a rapturous welcome in York on Thursday as she prepared to hand out the traditional Royal Maundy money to pensioners to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets and cheered loudly as the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice of York stepped out of the royal car. The trio were on their way to York Minster for the traditional Royal Maundy service.
People could be seen in windows overlooking Queen Street and Micklegate toasting the party with champagne.
Dressed in an aquamarine and grey tweed overcoat and matching hat, the Queen touched a ceremonial sword and mace before passing through the 12th century gateway to the walled city, Micklegate Bar.
She was then given the time-honoured Monarch's welcome to the city in a medieval atmosphere conjured up by traditional musicians and musketeers and met the Lord Mayor David Horton. The town clerk, aptly named Kersten England, read out a proclamation of welcome.
To celebrate her 60 years as Monarch, the Queen is due to hand out money to people from all of the UK's 44 Christian dioceses.
Usually, the Maundy money is given to pensioners from one diocese each year. But this year, 86 women and 86 men - one for each of the Queen's 86 years - will receive the money in recognition of their services to the Church and their communities.
The Royal Maundy ceremony traces its origins to the Last Supper when, according to St John, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
Cheered on by thousands of well-wishers, the royal party arrived at the Great West Door in bright sunshine where they were presented with traditonal nosegays.
The Queen's procession included The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the chancellor of the Diocese of York, Judge Peter Collier QC, the very reverend Keith Jones and other dignitaries and officials.
A short time later the Queen began distributing the Maundy gifts to the first set of recipients on the south side of the Minster as the Yeomen of the Guard followed closely behind.
After the second lesson was read by the Archbishop of York, the Queen distributed the Maundy gifts to the second set of recipients on the north side of the cathedral as music by Handel was played.
Each recipient receives two purses - one red and one white - in the centuries-old tradition.
The red purse will contain a £5 coin commemorating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and a newly minted 50p coin.
The white purse will contain uniquely minted Maundy Money of silver one, two, three and four penny pieces, the sum of which equates to the Queen's age.
The invited guests in the Minster strained to get a glimpse of the royal party and the distribution of the Maundy gifts during the hour-long service.
Following the prayers and the national anthem, the processions exited the Minster to the strains of Bach.
The royal party was greeted with rapturous applause and cheering as they emerged on to the steps of the Minster.
Later, the Queen presented the Lord Mayor with a new "cap of maintenance" during a short ceremony in the Mansion House where, once again huge crowds gathered.
The significance of the hat dates back to 1393, when King Richard II presented the first cap to York and stipulated that it should not be taken off in front of God or King.
Traditionally the monarch presents the cap to the City of York, highlighting the city's importance as the cap signifies rank and prestige.
The sword bearer knelt in front of the Queen, who then lifted the new cap and presented this to the Lord Mayor.
Mr Horton, said: "It's been a wonderful day and I thank everyone who was involved in making this so memorable. It was an incredible honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and the royal party to York and we will treasure these memories for years to come."
The Queen enjoyed a lunch attended by dignitaries, community pride winners and council workers.