Duchess of Cambridge adds touch of glamour to royal train journey from London to Leicester to open jubilee celebrations
The Queen let the train take the strain as she began her diamond jubilee tour of the UK.
She was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh and her granddaughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, for the journey from St Pancras International in London to Leicester.
Crowds stood three-deep behind crash barriers on pavements surrounding Leicester station as they waited for a glimpse of the royal party arriving in the city.
Many had cameras at the ready to try to grab quick pictures of the Queen, Duke and Duchess, while others waved flags and sported hats emblazoned with the union flag.
Earlier the royal party strolled through the recently refurbished St Pancras as other passengers stared, before boarding the 10.15 to Nottingham.
The Queen wore a cerise cashmere dress and coat with black trim by Angela Kelly, and a matching hat. The Duchess sported a suit by LK Bennett, a hat by James Lock, and Episode shoes.
Their first destination is De Montfort Square, where they will watch cultural dances, before travelling to De Montfort University. The royal party will enter the Hugh Aston building to see work with local projects and charities and watch a student fashion parade.
The Duchess will be presented with a tailor-made design for a pair of shoes by each of the students and then choose her favourite, giving the career of one lucky designer a kick-start.
While the Queen and Duchess are preoccupied with fashion, Philip will view the Square Mile project – De Montfort's programme to help improve the life and surroundings of the local community.
The royal party will then visit Leicester Cathedral to attend a service of Christian worship with participation from other faiths. Afterwards, they will move to nearby St Martins House to meet faith and charity representatives.
Lunch will be held in the Grand Hall at St Martins House and their final stop will be at the Clock Tower to receive a gift from the city of Leicester. The Queen, the Duke and the Duchess will also watch a performance about the Holi festival, entitled 60 Colours.
Before the visit, Leicester's mayor, Peter Soulsby, said: "I am very proud that Leicester will be the first stop on the Queen's diamond jubilee tour. Leicester has an excellent reputation for hosting celebrations and I am confident we will give the royal party a day to remember."
The diamond jubilee tour will take the Queen and Duke from the Isle of Wight to Birmingham, and from Merthyr Tydfil to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The royal couple will travel around the country from March to July, by a range of means: car, royal train, aircraft and the ship Leander. The tour will finish on 25 July in the south-east of England.