UNION flags, cheering crowds and even a special gift for the latest addition to the Royal Family greeted the Queen when she visited St Ives.
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she travelled along the picturesque St Erth to St Ives train line before visiting the local RNLI lifeboat station and Tate St Ives.
The town's famous light, so enamoured by legions of artists, showed the blue skies, clear waters and golden sands of St Ives at their very best.
Among the thousands of people waiting to greet the royal party and bedecked in red, white and blue was St Ives woman Trudie Pearce.
She secured her spot three hours before the Queen arrived. "The Queen has been to so many places around the world but she has never been to St Ives and she couldn't have picked a better day," said the 56-year-old who also donned Union flag earrings.
"It is a beautiful day and hopefully it will encourage more people to come here."
Early on the Kernow Pipes and Drums silver band performed a stirring rendition of Trelawny. But just after 10.30am the anticipation grew.
Stepping out in to the sunshine, the Queen was taken to meet the managers and crews of the RNLI lifeboat station.
Looking lovely in lilac, she smiled as she greeted the teams while Prince Philip learnt about the work of the volunteers.
"What an honour, the first one in the line-up," said Stephen Bassett, St Ives harbour master.
"I had to welcome her to the town, absolutely marvellous and I thoroughly enjoyed it; best day of my life.
"She said what a lovely place it was, she was very friendly. I think for her age she's absolutely marvellous. I think it's the first time the monarch has ever come to the town and what a day, once in a lifetime."
The royal couple then moved inside the station to meet family and friends of the RNLI team.
Some of the first to speak to her were Anne Bassett, wife of harbour master Stephen and Margaret Hicks, wife of RNLI branch chairman, Michael.
Anne said: "It is wonderful to see so many people out in St Ives to see the Queen. This is a really special day and the Queen looks beautiful."
The Queen was then given a special gift – an RNLI teddy bear for the first child of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.
"I said this is for the new baby and the Queen said thank you," said Meryl Delve, souvenir secretary for the RNLI gift shop.
"It was wonderful, you never believe that you are going to meet the Queen.
"The atmosphere was so friendly."