The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have arrived in Australia, touching down in Canberra for the start of their tour of Australia.
Her Majesty smiled and waved to crowds on the tarmac before a full ceremonial welcome.
Dressed in a mint-coloured outfit, the Queen was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard who, in this land of informality, chose not to curtsy.
Also greeting the Queen was Margaret Cunningham. She presented Her Majesty with a bunch of flowers, just as she did during the Queen's very first visit to Australia back in 1954.
She told Sky News: "She asked when we last met. She had a glint in her eye... a real warmth."
During their trip, the Queen and Prince Philip will visit victims of the recent floods in Brisbane and take a day trip to Melbourne.
They will then attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth on October 28. On the agenda will be proposals aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant in today's world.
This is the 85-year-old Queen's 16th visit to Australia but her first for five years.
The tour will be very different from nearly 60 years ago when she first came to the country.
Back in 1954, a youthful Queen visited a young country - the first reigning monarch to do so. It is thought that three-quarters of the population turned out to see her at some stage.
Across the years, the monarch has seen more of the country than many Australians see in a lifetime.
This trip will be shorter and more subdued than some in the past.
It is not expected to reignite the debate on whether Australia should become a republic.
Time, politics and apathy have all conspired against Australia's republicans.
An opinion poll last week revealed support for the monarchy had risen to 55% of the population, while support for a republic was at its lowest level in 23 years at 34%.
The adulation of the first visit by a monarch to Australia has now been replaced by quieter respect.
Australia and the Queen have matured together. She is likely to be greeted in Australia with warmth and a nostalgic affection.
