(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />Flag-waving crowds of Britons lined the streets and politicians proffered gushing praise as Queen Elizabeth launched a nationwide tour of her realm on Thursday to celebrate 60 years as monarch.<br/> <br />Kicking off the tour in Leicester in central England, the 85-year-old monarch arrived by train accompanied by her husband Philip and Catherine, the wife of grandson Prince William.<br/> <br />The Royal party then set off to visit the city De Montfort University, where they were greeted by cheerful crowds and treated to a number of musical and dance performances as they made their way into the building.<br/> <br />Queen Elizabeth was also expected to attend a church service at Leicester Cathedral and visit the city centre later that afternoon.<br/> <br />The focal point of the diamond jubilee festivities will take place over four days in June, including a 1,000-ship pageant on the River Thames through London and a concert at Buckingham Palace.
