Last year's visit from the Sheik of the UAE was a little warmer and a little sunnier. Be sure to check out my post from last year to see a great video of what the procession looks like.
This year's visit was from the Irish President Michael Higgins. This state visit was history in the making. Ireland and the UK seem to be making progress in moving past "the troubles." The Queen visited Ireland 3 years ago, laying a wreath at a memorial to those who fought the Crown for Irish independence. Now the Irish president is having an official state visit over here.
State visits seem to be all about the pomp and circumstance on the surface. But the banquets, processions, gifts, and speeches really reflect the relationship between two nations. You can see a speech from President Higgins here on the BBC and read the Queen's speech from the state banquet here.
On to the photos from the day. It was a really fun day out with Jenny, Celeste, and Tara. The weather forecast said sunny and 50F. But the weather here in England just like in Texas can change in a heartbeat. We huddled up to stay warm in the clouds and winds that made it feel like winter again.
The town center looks beautiful with Union and Irish banners along the streets. Bells rang continuously from the 13th century round tower in Windsor Castle.
Here are my friends already starting to look a little chilly! We were trying not to get the Nando's and McDonald's in the background for our pictures.
A town crier eagerly posed for a picture with us. We were trying to keep our hair from blowing around like crazy!
There was sand on the streets to help with the horse's traction. I wish Grace had skipped school to come see all the beautiful horses.
We knew the procession would start soon when the soldiers lined up along the street. The "supervisor" on the left is using that tool to measure the distance between each soldier. In the second photo below, he is making adjustments to the soldier's position.
The policemen came along the route first, riding absolutely huge horses. They looked like draft horses.
Next came the calvary band.
And then the Queen rides in her car down to the Eton train station. The President did not actually arrive by train, but this is the traditional meeting place for state visits. It's all about tradition!
The Irish "tri-colour" flag against the blue skies. We were hoping that the clouds would move away!
And after a little while the procession moves back up the street from the train station to the castle. To me, this is the fun part to watch. The horses are all in a very fast trot, and it's very impressive. The horses seemed extra feisty this year, with several rearing up a little or twisting their heads around.
Here comes the Queen and the Irish President in the carriage.
And then Prince Philip and the President's wife...
And Charles and Camilla...
And here is my claim to fame... A man from the Irish News took our picture and told us to look on their website. Our photo is right above one of Prince Charles...wow. Click here to see their photo gallery...we're about the 8th photo down the page.
Oh wow! What fun!! And great photos!! You captured it so well!
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