Queen Elizabeth Hosts State Banquet for President of India

Queen Elizabeth hosted this week’s State Visit by the President of India Pratibha Patil and her husband Dr Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat. The 3-day visit began on October 27, 2009 with a welcome ceremony at Windsor Castle. A carriage procession through the streets of Windsor, a private lunch with the Queen and an inspection of the Honour Guard were all part of that first day.

A State Banquet was held in St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle, with Queen Elizabeth wearing her Burmese Ruby Tiara for the occasion. The Royal Channel released this video of the banquet, showing the pomp and formality of such a dinner. You can see that in a video here.

The State Visit by India ended yesterday, with the launch of the XIX Commonwealth Games through the Queen’s Baton Relay, followed by the farewell ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Discussion of the State Visit can be found on the Royal Forums here.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Commonwealth Games, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, India, President Patil of India, Queen's Baton Relay, State Visit.