Thousands of people descended on St. George's yesterday to welcome the Queen and Prince Philip to Bermuda.

Children in school uniforms, Scouts and Sea Cadets, members of the public all stood waving as the Queen stepped out of her Range Rover when she arrived from the airport - where the traditional red carpet had been replaced by a pink carpet.

Altogether about 2,000 people crammed into King's Square, as the Queen did a short walkabout, stopping to speak to some of the people who turned out to greet her.

The visit came 56 years to the day since the Queen first travelled to Bermuda - five months after her coronation.

Megan McIntyre, Sydney Richardson and Jenn White were so excited to see the Queen they brought along their babies - each wearing a crown.

The babies, Philip Hanekom - who is looked after by Ms White - Sadie Jiminez and Kyla White each had on a homemade silver crown and Ms Richardson said "In all honestly, we thought it might be a chance that the Queen might see them."

Ms McIntyre, a tourist, said "We are all excited. Probably the most exciting thing of our vacation. Just seeing her. We've never seen her before."

The Queen is visiting the Island for three days as part of the celebrations marking Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

Conchita Ming, Chairman of the Bermuda 2009 Steering Committee, said: "I am thrilled. I think this is absolutely thrilling to have Her Majesty come.

"We had sent an invitation through Government House and we weren't sure and we kept hoping. Look at the crowd here today. The whole Island is showing off. We're very proud of Bermuda. It's an honour having Her Majesty here for the celebrations."

Former Mayor of St. George's E. Michael Jones said: "Our chairman is even more excited than that. She is thrilled to bits. We're so pleased to have Her Majesty once again visit and look to maybe one more in the future. She's been with us for a very long time and hopefully we'll get a few more years of her long life. It's magical."

Deputy Mayor of St. George's Kenny Bascome said: "It's a historical event and we in the community are overwhelmed that she chose to come here first before going anywhere else.

"This paradise in which we love begins right here."

A 21 gun salute took place just before the Queen arrived catching much of the crowd off guard <\!m> and then the Royal motorcade drove up and the Queen stepped out dressed in a bright fuchsia suit and hat with lavender trim.

The Queen also had on black patent leather shoes with a matching handbag, black gloves and a gorgeous silver brooch.

Her attire was all people could talk about.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, she began waving to the people and was escorted to a platform in the middle of the square by Bermuda Regiment officials.

She stood in silence as the Regiment band played 'God Save the Queen'.

She then inspected the Regiment's guard of honour and was then introduced to Chief Justice Richard Ground, and his wife, and then to the Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe, by Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

Then Premier Ewart Brown introduced her to members of his Cabinet, as well as UBP<\p>leader Kim Swan and his wife, Cindy.

The Queen then went into the Town Hall to sign the guest book and was met outside by two girls and a boy who presented her with three bouquets of flowers.

To the delight of the crowd, the Queen then strolled to Ordnance Island where she stopped and chatted with schoolchildren and many people standing behind the barriers.

She left soon afterwards for a reception at Government House.

Ruth Hastings, who is visiting from Toronto, said "I'm here for vacation. Our boys are sailing here.

"I didn't know about the Royal visit until I got here. I saw her about 20 years ago in Toronto. I'm very excited to see the Queen. I want to see what she's wearing."

And Kyesja Jones, eight, of St. David's Primary, said: "I'm excited because she's really important to Bermuda."

'She was radiant'

As thousands of people turned out in King's Square, in St. George's, to see the Queen and Prince Philip, many excited members of the crowd were anxious to talk about why they were there.

Here's what they had to say about the Royal visit.

Jahni Trott, nine, of St. David's Primary said: "Yes, I'm excited because this is the first time I have seen her in real life. I have read an English book in our classroom. I want to go to England."

Stephen West, Robbie Godfrey and Richard Winchell were all dressed in period clothing and were happy to see the Queen.

Mr. West was dressed as Captain Newport, of the Sea Venture, Mr. Godfrey was Sir Thomas Bate and Mr. Winchell was Sir George Somers.

Mr. Winchell explained why they were there. "We did an enactment of the shipwreck.

"The Governor was there and thought the re-enactment was cool and he thought it would be nice to have these guys dressed up in 1609 garb."

Marji Robbins and Jean Shaw were also happy to see the Queen. Mrs. Robbins said: "She was radiant.

"Her clothing was fabulous. The crowd on this day was just bigger than life."

Mrs. Shaw agreed and said: "I saw her in the 70s and the 90s. She represents everything wonderful. She's the ultimate. Everyone coming together, it's just what we need."

A senior, who didn't wish to be named, said: "I thought it was excellent. The weather was beautiful.

"I thought the Queen looked gracious as she always looks. I thought she looked beautiful in her outfit. It was a very beautiful colour.

"Everything went well and I'm sure the crowd was happy to see her. We couldn't have asked for a better day. It was excellent."