Thousands of people turned out in the sunshine to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they visited Birmingham on Thursday.
The Queen officially named the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to cheers from members of the public who had been waiting outside since 7am to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
She met members of the hospital staff outside the hospital before being welcomed by Dame Julie Moore, chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Sir Albert Bore, chairman of the Trust and leader of the city council.
The Queen was visiting the hospital to officially name the new £545 million NHS building, in Edgbaston.
The hospital opened its doors in June 2010 and is home to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which treats service personnel who are severely wounded overseas.
Following a speech by Dame Julie and a video showing the hospital at work, members of the RAF Cosford area voluntary band played as the Queen was invited to unveil a piece of commemorative glasswork by local artist Eryka Isaak.
Leaving the hospital, the royal couple met more former patients, volunteers and staff before being presented with a posy by Bethan Davies.
The 20-year-old Young Persons Unit patient from Herefordshire, whose great aunt was a member of the Royal Household, has been undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital since she was diagnosed with an adrenal tumour in January this year.
After meeting the Queen she said: "It was really nerve-wracking but she was lovely and asked me whether I was a patient here and about my treatment."
Among the former patients meeting the royal couple was Karl Hinett, 25, from Tipton, injured serving in Basra in September 2005 when his Warrior tank was hit by a petrol bomb, resulting in him receiving 37% burns to his hands, legs, arms and face.
The ex-Staffordshire Regiment soldier, who has been raising money for the hospital since his last operation in 2010, after five years of treatment, said: "It was a massive honour to meet the Duke.
"He asked me about where I'd served and my injuries and my treatment at the hospital. I told him the staff at the old hospital had been great with me."
Earlier, the Queen and Prince Philip were met by thousands of well-wishers in Victoria Square.
Sue Sherwen, aged 61,from Halesowen, arrived early to get a prime spot. She said: “I’ve never been so close to The Queen and the Prince – it was amazing.
“Prince Philip saw my flag and said ‘that’s got quite a pointed end, that’s almost an offensive weapon’.
“He looked extremely well and very relaxed.”
Lloyd Morrison, project manager at Aston-based community group City United Limited, brought along youngsters to enjoy the “momentous event”.
He said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to give kids an opportunity to see The Queen. They will look back and remember how fortunate they were to be so close to the monarch.
“It’s great to see how the community has come together for this momentous event.”
