Britain's Prince William has praised Queen Elizabeth for showing "love and devotion" throughout her reign.

The royal and his wife Duchess Catherine joined his grandmother for a tour of Nottingham, East Midlands, yesterday (13.06.12) and he used the opportunity to praise the monarch for her achievements during her 60 years on the throne.

Addressing an audience at Vernon Park in Basford after Elizabeth had unveiled a plaque recognising Queen Elizabeth II Fields in Trust status, he said: "The occasion presents the perfect opportunity for me, through my patronage of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields, to pay tribute to the queen on her Diamond Jubilee.

"On behalf of Fields in Trust, thank you so much Your Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh for everything you have done throughout your reign to protect these vital outdoor places for the nation.

"How grateful we are for the extraordinary love and devotion you have shown to the people of this country and the Commonwealth."

William and Catherine - who was known as Kate Middleton prior to their nuptials last year - replaced Prince Philip on the trip as he is still recuperating from a bladder infection following his release from hospital on Saturday (09.06.12).

The queen travelled to Nottingham by train and was met by the royal couple before making an appearance on the balcony of a council house at the Old Market Square in the city.

She then made her way to Vernon Park to unveil the plague before heading to Burghley House, near Stamford, in Lincolnshire, where she enjoyed a picnic with around 10,000 others and planted a tree to mark her Diamond Jubilee.