The Queen today visited the Tower of London to pay tribute to those who died during World War One.

Accompanied by Prince Philip, she laid a wreath at the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red exhibit, which has been designed to commemorate the lives of thousands of people who died in the Great War.

A field of handmade ceramic poppies represents every British and Colonial death. The installation will be completed on Armistice Day, November 11, when the 888,246th poppy will be 'planted'.

The Tower of London was a key monument during the War; more than 1,600 soldiers swore an oath to the Crown on its grounds.

It is also the place where 11 German spies were executed.

The Royals met artist Paul Cummins, who said the strong military links of the Tower of London made it an ideal location for his exhibit.

"The installation is transient, I found this poignant and reflective of human life, like those who lost their lives during the First World War," he said. "I wanted to find a fitting way to remember them."

The Queen reportedly described Cummins' work as "impressive".