THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed in Ellesmere Port overnight as they take in their tour of the North West.

Royalty came to the town as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed in the £50m luxury yacht Leander on Wednesday night, moored at the National Waterways Museum.

The royal standard flag flew from the yacht overnight, a symbol of the Queen being in residence.

The yacht has been moored there since Sunday night.

This morning (Thursday), the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been paying a visit to Chester Zoo. They will unveil a plaque at the new entrance of the zoo – named the Diamond Jubilee Quarter – and then take a tour by monorail.

Afterwards, the Queen will view the rhino paddock while The Duke of Edinburgh will be taken to see the zoo’s elephants.

Earlier this year, Leander  completed a tour of the Caribbean with The Earl and Countess of Wessex as part of the  Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee. In 2008, Prince Charles and  Camilla toured the Caribbean  in the boat – hiring it for 12 days  at a cost of £210,000.

The 246ft vessel – with its  24-strong crew, Jacuzzi deck,  bar, gym and sauna has  two  master suite cabins, three  en-suite double rooms.

The main dining room accommodates 20 guests and its  marble effect pillars, tranquil  mural painting and sky ceiling  provide diners with a luxurious  setting. An observation saloon has 180-degree views, and the walls are  adorned with dramatic naval  oil paintings.