Queen Elizabeth has paid tribute to Australia’s war dead.

She’s laid a wreath of red poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Guillaume Benoist reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Queen and Prince Philip were escorted around the War Memorial by Senator David Feeney and retired General Peter Cosgrove, the war memorial council chairman.

She seemed touched by the moving ceremony in the Hall of Memory.

Later, she viewed the Roll of Honour with General Cosgrove.

The Queen paused before the names of the Australian soldiers who have died in Afghanistan since 2002 before signing the official guest book.

She then met Defence Force personnel in private before heading back outside to greet the waiting crowds.

Dozens of school children had come along despite persistent rain and cold winds.

Queen Elizabeth collected bouquets of flowers and gifts offered by the young crowd.

As usual, the flowers will be given to local nursing homes and hospitals.

Tomorrow the Royal couple head to Melbourne to open the new Royal Children’s Hospital.

Guillaume Benoist, QUT News.