Queen surprise visits new Elizabeth line at Paddington station
Created: 05/18/2022, 10:58 am
By: Annemarie Goebbel
Although Prince Edward was announced at Paddington station, Queen Elizabeth II appeared in person, unannounced, to buy the first ticket on the line named after her.
LONDON - The British leader surprised commuters when she unmistakably showed up at London's Paddington Tube station dressed in bright yellow from head to toe.
The passengers were amazed that the monarch personally helped with the opening and bought the first ticket for the "Elizabeth Line".
Queen surprise visits new Elizabeth line at Paddington station
Queen Elizabeth II (96) was accompanied by her youngest son Prince Edward (58), who was supposed to take on the royal task on her behalf.
But the regent decided on a spontaneous surprise appearance.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (57) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan (51) welcomed the royals.
No one would have expected to meet the 96-year-old in the middle of London, who was disabled by ongoing mobility problems.
After many refusals, the royal fans were amazed at how fit and carefree their queen sought to be close to the people.
Queen Elizabeth II visits Paddington Station to mark the completion of London's Crossrail rail project.
© Andrew Matthews/dpa
It is the third public visit in five days.
The run began with the "Royal Windsor Horse Show" in headscarf, casual outfit and happily laughing as her pony won a prize.
Just two days later, Elizabeth II appeared elegant and radiant as a child at the star-studded opening ceremony in the grounds of Windsor Castle to mark her 70th jubilee in early June.
Queen Elizabeth II buys the first ticket from the machine for the new railway line
All the greater the joy to see the broad smile of the jubilee when she appeared in front of the cameras at the train station.
"By a joyful development, Her Majesty is attending the event today to honor the completion of the line," Buckingham Palace said.
The strategy now follows the “episodic mobility problems”, disappointments due to cancellations are to be avoided.
The spokesman called the Queen's outing a "happy moment".
Anyone wondering why Elizabeth II chooses this date of all things can stick to the subtle message to the British.
It reads: This train is far from leaving.
The "Elizabeth Line", which is scheduled to open to passengers on May 24, should have opened in 2018.
The costs also far exceed the plan: instead of £14.8 billion (€17.5 billion), they are now estimated to be almost £19 billion (€22.5 billion).
The new line is intended to favor east-west connections.
