The Queen visits De Montfort University

Excited crowds greeted the Queen today on the first stop of her Diamond Jubilee tour at De Montfort University.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cambridge the Queen watched a carnival of cultural dances in Magazine square.

She then attended a fashion parade inside the university alongside her daughter-in-law. Meanwhile the Duke viewed a university project aimed at improving life in the local community. The royals then attended a service at Leicester Cathedral where the crowd broke into a chorus of God Save the Queen as the service drew to a close.

The royals then travelled in a motorcade back to De Montfort where they were greeted by the city's mayor and university staff before entering the Hugh Aston building to view booths highlighting local projects and charities.

Sir Peter Soulsby, who was elected mayor of Leicester last year, earlier said he was "absolutely delighted" the city had been chosen as the starting point of the Queen's jubilee tour.

"We're a modern city and probably a city that has changed most dramatically during the 60 years of Her Majesty's reign - and I think very appropriate that she should choose to begin her tour here in Leicester," he said.

Following lunch, their final stop will be at the Clock Tower in Leicester city centre to receive a gift from the city.