The Queen has met thousands of wellwishers at an informal walkabout in Windsor, on her 80th birthday.

The band of the Irish Guards played Happy Birthday as The Queen emerged from Windsor Castle. Members of the crowd handed her flowers and gifts.

Crowds began to gather early outside Windsor Castle ahead of the 80th Birthday celebration walkabout by the Queen and Prince Philip in the town's High Street.

Terry Hutt was among those who camped out in the town overnight. The staunch Royal Family supporter is often seen at major events.

An inflatable corgi could be seen among the flags, flowers, balloons and banners carrying birthday greetings.

Matthew Humphrey and Jennifer Hawkins from Worthing, Sussex, secured the corgi to a barrier. "I just thought it was a bit of fun," said Ms Hawkins.

The Queen is dining with her family at Kew Palace in the evening. The private event is being hosted by Prince Charles.

The Cabinet gave The Queen a tea set by Spode. The china, from the pottery firm's Stafford Flowers range, was said to be something Buckingham Palace indicated she would like.

Sailors aboard HMS Illustrious spelt out a birthday message on the vessel's 200m flight deck. The fleet flagship is on its way to the Indian Ocean for a four month deployment.

New Zealand became the first Commonwealth country to celebrate the Queen's birthday. Some 300 people created the number 80 on the lawn of Government House in Wellington.

The Queen, keeping warm in a cream-coloured wrap, enjoyed a firework display before a private black-tie dinner.