President Michael D Higgins arrives at Heathrow Airport in London on the eve of his State visit
People pick their seats early for the occasionWindsor is decked out with the Tricolour and Union FlagCrowds gather in Windsor to see the presidential party along with Prince Charles and his wife process in carriages to Windsor CastleBlue skies are the order of the day at the start of the State visitThe President and his wife Sabina are welcomed to LondonFlags aplenty as people wait for the royal processionTourists gather to view the royal procession in WindsorPrince Charles and President Higgins met at the Irish Embassy in LondonTánaiste Eamon Gilmore and his wife chat to the Duchess of Cornwall at the Irish EmbassyPrince Charles and President Higgins leave the Embassy en route to WindsorPresident Higgins inspecting the Guard of HonourPresident Higgins presents a new ceremonial red coat to Domhnall of Shantamon, mascot of the Irish GuardsPresident Higgins, Sabina Higgins and members of the royal family following the procession to Windsor CastleQueen Elizabeth greets President Higgins in Windsor
The President chats with Queen ElizabethMichael D Higgins inspects a Guard of Honour at Windsor CastleThe President and his wife, along with Queen Elizabeth are shown Irish-related items from the Royal CollectionPresident Higgins and Queen Elizabeth were taken to Windsor Castle in the Australian State CoachAssembled troops at Windsor Castle (Pic: EPA)A general view during the welcoming ceremony for President Higgins at Windsor Castle (Pic: EPA)The Very Reverend John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey, shows Mr Higgins around the AbbeyThe wreath laid by President Higgins on the Grave of the Unknown WarriorThe President laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster AbbeyMichael D Higgins is the first Irish president to address both Houses of ParliamentThe Queen made her only speech of the visit at a state banquetShe said Britain had been hugely enriched by the arrival of Irish men and women to its shores, and recalled 'with great pleasure' her visit to IrelandThe Presidential and Royal couples at tonight's State banquet160 guests attended the banquet and sat at one long tableA casual greeting before the State banquet
