Queen Elizabeth II watched wickets tumble as she visited Lord's today to watch the start of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia.
With the start of play having been delayed by 15 minutes to accomodate the visit, the royal standard was raised before the Queen, monarch of both Britain and Australia, walked out of the iconic Lord's Pavilion and on to the field, where both teams were lined up to greet her.
The head of state -- wearing a blue hat, blue dress and white jacket with blue trim -- was first introduced to the Australia team as captain Michael Clarke led her down the line of players.
And, as the last of the 28,825 sunbaked, sell-out crowd took their seats, England captain Alastair Cook and his side took their turn for a handshake and a brief word with the monarch.
The sovereign was given three cheers by both teams and then applauded from the field as she headed back to the Pavilion, where she was introduced to coaching staff from both sides before taking a seat to watch some of the first session.
Former Australian prime minister John Howard was sat next to Queen Elizabeth in the Pavilion and he could not contain his excitement when Cook's wicket fell, clapping enthusiastically.
And when England batsman Joe Root was given out leg before wicket, the decision was referred to a third umpire behind the scenes, who used technology to check the verdict.
