State visit from Brazil

Queen Elizabeth II has today welcomed the President of Brazil, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of The Queen.

The President was officially welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards, Whitehall, having arrived yesterday at Heathrow airport. Shortly after arriving at Horse Guards, the President accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, inspected the Guard of Honour.

Later, the President and the royal party joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex made their way up to mall to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession where they were due to have lunch and before viewing an exhibition of Brazilian items from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

The exhibition included some pieces of jewellery, photographs and some gifts which were presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the people of Brazil when the Queen paid Brazil a state visit in November 1968.

The President’s afternoon engagements included a visit to Westminster abbey where he laid a wreath in honour of the Unknown warrior before being taken on a tour of the Abbey.

Later in the afternoon back at Buckingham Palace, the President received some government officials, the leader of the opposition and the leader of the Liberal Democrats party.

Queen Elizabeth II is due to host a State banquet in honour of the President and his wife at Buckingham Palace later this evening.

Pictures of this event can be found Here