The Queen greets the crowd (From The Argus)

The Queen greets the crowd

11:40am Thursday 8th March 2007 in News By Katya Mira

Local dignitaries and school children filled the Theatre Royal Brighton to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The couple took in a concert celebrating the building's 200th anniversary.

Children from Middle Street Primary School in Middle Street, Brighton, all had Union flags which they waved at the Queen as she made her way to the theatre.

Meanwhile ten lucky year six pupils from St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School in Spring Street, Brighton, were getting ready to watch the performance with their headteacher Halden Eady after they were given golden tickets for the performance.

Former Argus reporter Adam Trimingham also watched the performance before heading up to Brighton Racecourse to dine with the Queen.

Before leaving the Queen and Prince Philip watched a performance of the bicycle ballet in New Road from the theatre's balcony.

The Queen and Prince Philip were giggling through the performance of the bicycle ballet. As part of the performance purple and blue smoke came up towards the balcony where the couple were standing. It prompted them they both to wave their hands in front of their faces and they then went back inside.

After the performance they walked around the crowd. Sheila Hughes, 60, of Hove, plucked up the courage to say 'Welcome to Brighton' to Her Majesty.

She said: "I was quite nervous to speak to her. I have seen her at Ascot before but never so close. I said 'Welcome to Brighton' and she said 'Thank you. You have ordered us some nice weather'."

Her friend, Sandra Spicer, 59, who gave the Queen some flowers, was talking to the Prince. He said to her: "Have you got rising damp or something?" She said: "I don't know what he meant.

"I think they really enjoyed it though, they were laughing all the way through the performance but the smoke was a bit much for them."

Madeline Hobbs, seven and her friend Alice gave the Queen flowers. The Queen's lady-in-waiting had them lifted over the barrier to give the Queen flowers.

Madeline's mother Samantha said: "That is a moment in their lives that will last forever. We will always be saying 'Do you remember the time you spoke to the Queen and gave her flowers."

After being entertained at the Theatre Royal Brighton, Prince Philip walked to the Pavilion Theatre where he toured the building and met arts award representatives. He also watched a trapeze workshop.

Meanwhile the Queen arrived at the Jubilee Library in Jubilee Street by car.

She visited the children's library and watched a baby boogie session.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh then attended a reception at the Brighton Dome before going for lunch.

• If you have seen the Queen, we want your pictures and videos. Send them as a text message marked SUPIC to 07834 487010 or email pictures@theargus.co.uk. Texts are free but you may incur the normal charge from your mobile operator.

• Don't miss exclusive video reports of Her Majesty's visits. There will also be regular news updates on our website.

Have you headed into the city to see the royal couple? Tell us about your day below.