Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip were greeted by a sea of British flags by primary school children from Hounslow and Hillingdon.

A dozen young girls and boys from Cranford Primary School in Hounslow and Heathrow Primary School in Hillingdon were the first to set eyes on The Queen who was wearing a striking sea blue as she stepped out at the entrance of Terminal 2 - the Queen’s Terminal.

Deafening applause echoed throughout the terminal, at each and every corner, as staff caught a glimpse of The Royals walking through the building from check-in to security and down to the departures lounge where a stage had been set up for speeches and the plaque unveiling.

The welcome party for the Royals included councillor Catherine Dann, mayor of Hillingdon, Colin Matthews, CEO of Heathrow Airport, Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of Heathrow Airport, and John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow development director and CEO designate.

Mr Holland-Kaye who oversaw the £2.5bn Terminal 2 project led The Queen and Prince Philip to the old Terminal 2 plaque which has been placed on the left hand side on entering the new building.

They were then led through the terminal meeting a number of people including Patrick McLoughlin secretary of state for department for transport, Richard Wilson, Slipstream architecture, Seema Malhotra MP for Feltham and Heston, and a whole host of senior management from across the airport and airlines.

Mr Holland-Kaye said: “This has taken ambition, a good plan and a lot of hard work delivered on time and within budget.....that sense of ambition is one where we take inspiration from one of our frequent flyers - Her Majesty The Queen.”

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Mr McLoughlin said: “For many visitors The Queen’s Terminal will be there first and last impression of the UK.

”It is a vital important role to play in welcoming travellers whether they are coming for business or pleasure.

"So I think the whole country can be proud of this magnificent new facility.”

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