London's Crossrail to be called the Elizabeth Line Published duration 23 February 2016

media caption Queen Elizabeth unveils the new Crossrail railway line, named in her honour.

Crossrail, the new railway which will run beneath London, is to be named the Elizabeth Line in honour of the Queen, Boris Johnson has announced.

London's mayor revealed the line's name and purple logo as he visited Bond Street station with the monarch.

Trains on the railway will travel under the centre of the city, linking parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to Essex when it opens in December 2018.

Mr Johnson said it was "wonderful" the line had "such a significant name".

"The Elizabeth Line will provide a lasting tribute to our longest-serving monarch", the mayor said.

image copyright Pool image caption The Queen visited a station construction site 28m (92ft) below ground

image copyright PA image caption The Queen wore the colour of the new line for the visit

The Queen visited a station construction site 28m (92ft) below ground where she viewed part of the tunnel and met construction apprentices.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who was also at the event, said the name was "very fitting" given the Queen's long association with UK transport.

image copyright Pool image caption The Queen met construction workers

image copyright PA image caption She became the first reigning monarch to use the Tube when she opened the Victoria Line in 1969

image copyright PA image caption The Jubilee Line, which was opened by Prince Charles, was given its name to mark 25 years since the Queen's accession to the throne

About 24 trains an hour will travel both ways on the new Elizabeth Line when it opens.