Don't thank me ma'am, it's all part of the service

But fortunately for the Queen, yesterday she had a quick-witted flower girl called Shelby Rotherham at her side to lend a hand.

The nine-year-old, described by teachers as a model pupil at school, caught sight of the Queen's gesture for help and knelt down to pick up the 20-page booklet.

A posy of spring flowers still in her hand, she then passed the order of service to the grateful Queen, who nodded, like any grandmother would, in appreciation.

It had, after all, been a long service, during which the monarch had handed out Maundy money to 168 pensioners at Derby Cathedral in a ceremony dating back 800 years.

Shelby was hand-picked from among her classmates at Camms Church of England Primary School in Eckington, Derbyshire, for her manners and gracefulness.

Arlene Waddoups, head secretary at the school, said she wasn't surprised Shelby had excelled herself.

She said: "Shelby is absolutely delightful. She does all the right things and is a model pupil, an absolute credit to the school and her parents. You could not wish to meet a nicer little child."

The Queen, dressed in a Karl Ludwig Couture duck-egg blue outfit, went on to greet thousands of well-wishers who had lined the streets.

She was wearing a hat of the same striking colour by Angela Kelly Design and a diamond brooch left to her by the Queen Mother.

Earlier, she presented Maundy money to pensioners during the traditional Easter Service.

The first recorded Maundy service was held by King John in Knaresborough in 1210.