British Queen begins Diamond Jubilee tour

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is presented with a bouquet during a visit to Leicester, central England March 8, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - British Queen Elizabeth II began her Diamond Jubilee tour of Great Britain Thursday to celebrate 60 years on the throne.

The Queen began the tour at the rail terminal St Pancras International in London where she took a train to the Midlands city of Leicester.

The royal Diamond Jubilee tour will visit many parts of Britain between now and July 25, when it ends just two days before the start of the London Olympic Games.

Joining the Queen on the first leg of the tour were her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William.

The royal group was greeted on arrival at Leicester railway station by public, schoolchildren, and officials and then visited the city's cathedral for a religious service.

"It will be a profound privilege to lead worship with many faiths gathered in the presence of Her Majesty as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee," said the Very Rev Vivienne Faull, Dean of Leicester.

Afterwards, the Queen and the royal party watched a display by the Zimbabwean Women's choir, a local brass band, and Sikh Dohl drummers, all celebrating the theme of the Hindu Holi Festival, which is a festival marking the arrival of spring.