The Queen Visits Melbourne; Police Heighten Security after Evicting ‘Occupy’ Protesters
Queen Elizabeth arrived in Melbourne Wednesday as part of her 11-day Australia visit. This particular tour was primarily for the official opening of the city's new Royal Children's Hospital in Parkville.
The Queen and Prince Philip arrived at Melbourne Airport just after 11 a.m., and they were welcomed by Victoria Governor Alex Chernov, his wife Elizabeth, Premier Ted Baillieu and his wife Robyn.
A large crowd cheered for the monarch at the RCH opening, as Baillieu said the hospital was the "sparkling new jewel in the crown."
A crowd of thousands also gathered at Federation Square to see Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh as they walked the red carpet after a tour of the Ian Potter Centre, Adelaide Now reported.
Children were the crowd's frontliners so they could hand flowers to the Queen, who smiled and walked leisurely with Prince Philip down the red carpet.
Meanwhile, police were widely spread in the city to boost security for the Queen in view of 'Occupy' protests that have spread to Melbourne.
Police stormed an Occupy Melbourne camp Friday, evicting tent dwellers from the City Square.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana told Adelaide Now police would not hesitate to act at the first sign of trouble Wednesday.
"Police have a job to do and will work to ensure the safety of the community. This means taking appropriate action if people break the law," he said. "A large police contingent will be deployed to ensure the safety of the Queen and the community."