By Joanne Hughes BBC News Online

Visiting Flintshire for the first time since 1998, the royal pair arrived separately shortly before lunchtime.

Young and old mingled on the streets of the quiet market town as they anxiously awaited their arrival.

The Queen was in Flintshire for the first time since 1998

The more nimble climbed the small trees lining the streets whilst others liaised with family and friends on their mobile phones, navigating those with cameras to the best vantage point.

Whispers and the odd cry of a baby were soon muffled when the Queen's car came into view and the crowds clapped and cheered.

Youngsters were hoisted onto their fathers' shoulders and waved their Welsh and Union Jack flags furiously.

One bystander, Howell Hughes from Penyffordd near Mold, has met the Queen and Prince Philip on many occasions.

Most recently he saw them at a garden party at Buckingham Palace four years ago.

"I think coming here will enhance their reputation, all these people wouldn't bother coming here otherwise," he said.

Crowds waited expectantly in Mold

Mold town centre, blocked off to motorists, came to a standstill for the visit with many employers allowing their staff time off to join the crowds.

Jan Bembridge closed her newsagents for the duration of the visit.

"We don't see royalty very often and I think it's important that we get to see them when they do come and I thought it would be nice for the staff to see them," she said.

Dressed in navy blue the Queen spent 30 minutes inside St Mary's Parish Church in Mold speaking to schoolchildren.

Suzanne Rosier's eight year old son Steffan had been chosen to meet her.

"He was very proud but his sister thought he was the lucky one," she said.

Howell Hughes is fan of the Duke of Edinburgh

"He planned to wave the Welsh flag. He didn't know if he would speak to her but he was hoping.

"The Queen looked very much as I expected," she added.

Doreen McNee travelled from Wrexham to get her first glimpse of the Queen.

"I think she's lovely, absolutely fantastic," she said excitedly.

"She looked gorgeous and Prince Philip too - it's the first time I've seen her in navy but I think she looks nicer in the bright colours."

Paul Bateman from Los Angeles is living in north Wales at the moment and brought his sons to Mold.

"It's an unusual experience. I came not expecting any kind of feeling but when she arrived you got a feeling of what it must mean to a lot of people," he said.

His excited child could only manage one word - "Wow" - before he filed away with the rest of the spectators talking animatedly about the day they saw the Queen.