OVERCAST skies and fear of rain did not deter thousands of Harrovians from turning out to see the Queen during her visit to the town centre today (Thursday).

Wearing a navy blue outfit, with matching hat, and accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty arrived at in the St Ann's Road precinct in her Daimler at noon to mark the 50th anniversary of Harrow's incorporation as a borough.

The royal copule were greeted outside the St Ann's Centre by the Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Mano Dharmarajah, and the borough's chief executive, Joyce Markham.

As they walked up St Ann's Road towards Havelock Road she was entertained by young musicians and dancer from a number of local schools.

The Queen and Prince Phillip stopped and talked to people among the dense crowds who cheered and clapped whenever they came near.

Catherine Walker from Stanmore was allowed to give some flowers to the Queen, and receoved a royal "thank you".

Rachel Monfort-Tennant, six, from Pinner was asked by the Queen if Harrow was a good shopping centre.

At the junction with Havelock Place the Quuen unveiled a plaque marking the visit.

At 12.30pm she left the town centre to be driven to the Civic Centre where she was greeted by 1,000 children representing every local authority school in the borough, and hundreds of other Harrovians.

In the Civic Centre, the Queen and Prince Phillip were guests of honour at a reception and lunch attended by members of many parts of the borough's community, and saw a photographic exhibition of the changing face of Harrow over the last 50 years.