The Queen's official Golden Jubilee celebrations have drawn to a close at the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The monarch attended the musical spectacular with the Duke of Edinburgh and met organisers and participants of the sell-out show at Edinburgh Castle

She was greeted by Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell and Castle Governor Major General Robert Gordon.

The royal couple take the salute

Dressed in a lemon coat with black gloves, black shoes and matching handbag, the Queen smiled at the cheering crowds on the packed 8,600-seater Esplanade.

It was her first visit to the Edinburgh event as monarch.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen ascended the steps to salutes from 12 members of the Royal Company of Archers.

The royal couple were followed by Mr McConnell, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Eric Milligan, and civic dignitaries.

Jubilee Fanfare

Maj Gen Gordon then took the salute to signal the end of the Golden Jubilee celebrations before the crowd rose for the national anthem as the 1st Battalion of the Highlanders Regiment presented arms.

The royal couple then enjoyed a spectacle from the largest cast in the Tattoo's 53-year history.

The show opened with a Jubilee Fanfare, followed by massed pipes and drums, performed by the 260 pipers and drummers from 13 regimental and Commonwealth bands.

About 1,200 performers from the Commonwealth, America and Europe put on a show of music, dance, horsemanship and fireworks.

The Queen is greeted by the first minister

Military formations of EIIR and 50, were among the numerous references to the Jubilee.

Among the bands was the 120-strong United States Marine Battle Colour Detachment, which paraded on the Castle Esplanade in the first of three appearances at the event.

Tattoo organiser, Brigadier Melville Jameson, said: "We are very honoured by this magnanimous gesture. It exemplifies the spirit and professionalism of the US Marines."

The marines were joined by compatriots the Marine Corps Albany Band, from Georgia.

Hundreds of dancers from Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Canada also took part, supported by about 600 musicians.

The Tattoo ended with a lone piper's rendition of the Skye Boat Song, a favourite of the late Queen Mother.