Elizabeth II visits namesake subway line

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II made a surprise visit Tuesday to a train station in central London to see a newly completed subway line named in her honor.

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 is due to open to the public on May 24.

The queen was also 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.

“We’re all incredibly touched and moved and grateful to her Majesty for coming to open the Elizabeth Line today,” Johnson said. “It was fantastic to see her.”

Tuesday’s appearance is the queen’s first one outside the Windsor area, where she resides, since the monarch attended a memorial service for her late husband Prince Philip at central London’s Westminster Abbey seven weeks ago.

(AP/Andrew Matthews) Queen Elizabeth II unveils a plaque to mark the Elizabeth line’s official opening at Paddington station Tuesday in London, to mark the completion of London’s Crossrail project.