Queen opens new Tube line

LONDON The Queen made a surprise visit Tuesday to a train station in central London to see a newly completed subway line named in her honour.

The 96-year-old monarch, who has reduced most of her public engagements, appeared Tuesday at Paddington Station and beamed as she unveiled a plaque stating she officially opened the Elizabeth Line. The new east-west train line opens to the public next Tuesday.

The Queen, who wore a sunshine yellow outfit with matching hat, walked slowly as she toured the station with a cane in hand, and she was seen smiling as she met with train workers. She was given an Oyster card and shown how to use it on a ticket machine. She was joined by her youngest son, Prince Edward, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the official visit.

“It was fantastic to see her,” Johnson said.

Her public appearances are being closely watched as Britain prepares to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years on the throne with four days of Platinum Jubilee festivities June 2-5. Palace officials have said she is experiencing “episodic mobility problems.”