25 April 2012 Last updated at 16:51

In pictures: Queen reopens restored Cutty Sark

The Queen formally opened the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, south-east London, five years after it was devastated by fire.

Heavy rain failed to deter crowds of people who turned out in the newly-created Royal Borough to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh applauding

The royal visitors were greeted by a choir of schoolchildren when they arrived at the 143-year-old vessel.

It was the Queen’s first visit to Greenwich since it was made a Royal Borough earlier this year.

More than 80 figureheads have been restored and are now on display in the dry berth around the Cutty Sark.

Visiting the ship is now an immersive experience. The ship has been raised three metres above its dry dock. For the first time visitors can walk underneath the elevated vessel, making it possible to view the lines of its hull which enabled it to glide speedily through the water.

The Queen opened the world’s last remaining tea clipper 55 years ago when the ship was first brought to Greenwich. It will reopen to the public on 26 April.

Before the reopening of Cutty Sark, the Queen visited Gloriana for the first time. The new Royal Row Barge is a 94ft (28m) vessel, decorated with gold leaf.

London

In pictures: Queen reopens restored Cutty Sark

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