By Sheila Mckenzie-
The Queen made a surprise visit to Paddington Station to see the completed Elizabeth line.
Her surprise appearance which thrilled Onlookers was initially announced in March, but no update was made to remind the public of the planned visit. Ahead of the opening, the 96-year-old joined her youngest son the Earl of Wessex for the official visit.
In fact, her visit to West London had been uncertain due to the mobility problems from which she suffers.
The longest reigning head of state is just over two weeks away from her Platinum Jubilee celebratory weekend to celebrate 70 years as monarch.
Dressed in cheery yellow, the 96-year-old monarch was joined by her youngest son, the Earl of Wessex, for today’s official visit in what was a special occassion for all involved.
Her Majesty the Queen was pictured using a ticket machine dispending limited edition Elizabeth Line Oyster Cards as she officially opened the new £18.9 billion new railway.
The Queen and Prince Edward were welcomed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and TfL commissioner Andy Byford.
Afterwards, Mr Johnson said: “We’re all incredibly touched and moved and grateful to Her Majesty for coming to open the Elizabeth line today.
“It was fantastic to see her.”
The Elizabeth line, named in honour of the Queen, will open to passengers on May 24.
Crossrail, the project to build the new east-west railway, was delayed and over budget due to numerous issues including construction difficulties and complications installing signalling systems.
It was originally due to be completed in December 2018 and was set a budget of £14.8billion in 2010.
The launch was postponed indefinitely when it became clear its completion was nowhere near ready.
The total cost has been estimated at £18.9billion, including £5.1billion from the Government.
They met staff who have been key to the project, formerly known as Crossrail, and those who will run the railway, including train drivers, station staff and apprentices.
The Queen was also given an Oyster card and shown how to use it on a ticket machine.
The Queen rallied to make a trip to the Windsor Horse Show on Friday and on Sunday was the guest of honour at the equestrian extravaganza A Gallop Through History near Windsor, the first major event of the Jubilee festivities.
The Queen and her youngest son, the Earl of Wessex, unveil a plaque at Paddington station (Picture: PA)
But Tuesday’s engagement is the Queen’s first one outside of the Windsor area since she attended the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in Westminster Abbey seven weeks ago.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: “In a happy development, Her Majesty The Queen is attending today’s event to mark the completion of the Elizabeth line.
“Her Majesty was aware of the engagement and the organisers were informed of the possibility she may attend.”
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: ‘In a happy development, Her Majesty The Queen is attending today’s event to mark the completion of the Elizabeth line.
‘Her Majesty was aware of the engagement and the organisers were informed of the possibility she may attend.’