Queen arrives in Australia's Brisbane

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Queensland's capital Brisbane on Monday morning for a visit to the city as part of their Australian tour, local media reported. The Queen and Prince Philip touched down at Brisbane airport just after 11 a.m. (local time) on a flight from Canberra. Hundreds of people gathered outside a security fence to watch the Queen's arrival, many waving Australian flags, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported. The royal couple was greeted by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley, who will accompany the royal couple on a cruise up the Brisbane River. The royal couple then went into a vehicle, bound for their river cruise due to leave from Bretts Wharf ferry terminal at 11: 30 a.m. (local time). Royal watchers began staking out viewing positions early on Monday at sites along the river, including at the ferry terminal. The four-hour royal visit will also include a meeting with victims of the summer's natural disasters. On Monday afternoon, after arriving at South Bank, the Queen and Prince Philip will meet with flood and cyclone victims who lost their family members and homes. The royal couple will explore the river aboard the cruiser Pure Adrenalin. After her engagements at South Bank, the Queen's last stop will be Government House for a private lunch hosted by Governor Wensley, before he jets off. The Queen was last in Brisbane in 2002 when she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on the Sunshine Coast.