State Visit from the President of China: October 20-23, 2015

[grevinnan]

The faces in that photo are so blurry and small, that I can't even tell where the Queen is looking.

I am sure the footmen noticed but as long as the speeches and toasts are happening they are not going to run out among the tables to pick it up. The photo was taken from slightly above and at a precise angle otherwise most guests would not even know it was there. Even the Queen may not have seen it as there was a translator sitting out in the isle between the errant napkin and the head table.

Guildhall banquet tonight. Kate Middleton and Prince William meet Jackie Chan and Chinese president Xi Jinping | Daily Mail Online
Madame Peng forgot to blend her finishing powder. Lovely dress though. And a tiara!

She is probably wearing powder with silicon in it. It will reflect the camera flashes but will not be noticeable when someone is looking at her.

It can happen to the best of us! First Lady of China suffers unfortunate make-up mishap at Lord Mayor's banquet... before her husband appears to struggle to keep his audience's attention-
First Lady of China suffers make-up mishap at Lord Mayor's banquet | Daily Mail Online

First time I've seen a Order of the Garter sash buttoned on. You can see the buttons on Andrew's sash.

I don't think the guests were falling asleep. They all had earplugs for the translation and if the quality was not good enough one tend to concentrate on what one is hearing and that sometimes means to look down or block out all other noises.

 

[wbenson]

Yes, if you look at the cable you can see that the Lady Mayoress wasn't "resting her head in her hands" but holding an earphone in.

 

[QueenElizabeth]

Why is this that you name them with their birth names. Sophie Rhys-Jones does not exist. She is the Countess of Wessex, same for Camilla Shand??????, what a pre-dated name? If so, she was married as Camilla Parker-Bowles by the way, now she is the Duchess of Cornwall, ... Come on!

The reason that there are buttons for the Garter is only when white tie is worn. On uniform, the sash is worn over the shoulder; but the dresscode for white tie means that the sash is worn actually more diagonally, so the sash needs be buttoned under the height of the arm pits.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Why is this that you name them with their birth names. Sophie Rhys-Jones does not exist. She is the Countess of Wessex, same for Camilla Shand??????, what a pre-dated name? If so, she was married as Camilla Parker-Bowles by the way, now she is the Duchess of Cornwall, ... Come on!

This was a reaction on the media referring to "Kate Middleton" so the poster was actually being ironic and consequent. If the media constantly use "Kate Middleton" why not "Camilla Shand" or "Sophie Rhys-Jones"?

How Kate Middleton became the Queen's ally and proved she doesn't need William by her side* | Daily Mail Online

Daily Mail is again over-hypening things (what's new?) but indeed, the Duke of Cambridge was to-tal-ly invisible. It was Kate, Kate, Kate, Kate.

 

[miss whirley]

Why is this that you name them with their birth names. Sophie Rhys-Jones does not exist. She is the Countess of Wessex, same for Camilla Shand??????, what a pre-dated name? If so, she was married as Camilla Parker-Bowles by the way, now she is the Duchess of Cornwall, ... Come on!

When I said,"It's too bad that Sophie Rhys-Jones and Camilla Shand were unable to attend. They could have given Kate Middleton and Birgitte Henriksen some company. I think Marie Christine von Reibnitz might have been there as well.", I was just mocking the Daily Mail. If the press believes Catherine has a morganatic marriage, then all the wives of Windsor probably do as well.

 

[Osipi]

When I said,"It's too bad that Sophie Rhys-Jones and Camilla Shand were unable to attend. They could have given Kate Middleton and Birgitte Henriksen some company. I think Marie Christine von Reibnitz might have been there as well.", I was just mocking the Daily Mail. If the press believes Catherine has a morganatic marriage, then all the wives of Windsor probably do as well.

Perhaps its the morganatic aspect of their marriages that make them the merry wives of Windsor?

Sorry, had to do it. It really is one of my pet peeves when the press cannot get the correct and current form of address for these women but I do understand that by using their previous surnames generates more "hits" to steer them to the Daily Fail's mistakes.

 

[csw]

It can happen to the best of us! First Lady of China suffers unfortunate make-up mishap at Lord Mayor's banquet... before her husband appears to struggle to keep his audience's attention-
First Lady of China suffers make-up mishap at Lord Mayor's banquet | Daily Mail Online

First time I've seen a Order of the Garter sash buttoned on. You can see the buttons on Andrew's sash.

Well the DM just set diplomatic relations back to zero. Publicly shaming the president and first lady of China is very very rude.

 

[AfricanAUSSIE]

I thought Kate looked well enough at the dinner but not so at Lancaster house. Terrible hair, ugly dress and she looks way too old for her age! What is happening to her?

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge steps out in purple lace D&G dress | Daily Mail Online

 

[miss whirley]

I thought Kate looked well enough at the dinner but not so at Lancaster house. Terrible hair, ugly dress and she looks way too old for her age! What is happening to her?

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge steps out in purple lace D&G dress | Daily Mail Online

She has to deal with a misogynistic public who try to define her by her looks. That would age any woman.

 

[Jacknch]

From BBC News:

Xi Jinping visit: Chinese president bids farewell to Queen - BBC News

 

[Juliette2]

I have read on another board that the lady is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Her husband the David_Cholmondeley,_7th_Marquess_of_Cholmondeley
is Lord Great Chamberlain of England.

Thank you Tila! She's so beautiful!

 

[Muhler]

Kate shines at her first ever state banquet | Royalista
Gallery and article focusing on Kate.

 

[Dman]

Videos:
China's President Xi Jinping will bid a formal farewell to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on Thursday on the penultimate day of his UK state visit. President Xi will see the Queen at Buckingham Palace before he joins the Duke of York for a series of visits-
Home - ITNSource News

President Xi Jinping, joined by The Duke of York, this morning visited Inmarsat, a leading provider of global satellite communication services. .
Home - ITNSource News

 

[Muhler]

A BB gallery focusing on Kate: GALLERI: Hertuginde Catherines smukke blondekjole | Billed Bladet

But I have to say I think the Chinese First Lady is presenting herself well.

 

[Queen Camilla]

Why would it be a problem for all of them to attend? Normally state banquets are held with many members of the RF possible.
And isn´t it a bit strange for an heir to the throne not to attend and important event like this which only occurs about twice a year only yards away from his own home (5 min. walk, 30 sec. by limousine)?

The Queen wanted to test Catherine and to give William a chance.

Poor Catherine in a bid to make William look like an active member of the BRF, they placed Catherine in the bright spotlight and she made some very big mistakes.

Her biggest was leaving President Xi Jinping hanging during the toast.
Not once but twice.
During the first toast, His Excellency Mr. Wang Huning had to nudge her to turn around to toast President Xi Jinping. During the second toast she was slow to toast Mr. Wang Huning so again she left the President of China hanging.

Her second big mistake was turning to the translation in the program after President Xi Jinping began his speech. Note Philip, Madame Peng, William and Mr. Wang Huning have their programs open.

Her third was trying to make conservation with Mr. Wang Huning while he was trying to read program prior to the speeches. (video 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbC-LMHwRyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaTw5PNLhM

 

[royal rob]

Honestly!!! I don't think the Queen was testing her or anyone out. I don't think she will be locked in the tower for a couple of so called mistakes.
I think she's doing a great and I don't know what some people expect from her.


Sent from my iPhone using The Royals Community

 

[Tiggersk8]

Honestly!!! I don't think the Queen was testing her or anyone out. I don't think she will be locked in the tower for a couple of so called mistakes.
I think she's doing a great and I don't know what some people expect from her.


Sent from my iPhone using The Royals Community

Thank you!! The Queen testing Catherine's abilities silliness would be funny if it wasn't also sad and transparent.


Sent from my iPad using The Royals Community mobile app

 

[AdmirerUS]

That toast sequence is interesting. Why was Will not engaging Wang Huning? Why did her Majesty turn so quickly from the President and to her husband?
I'm sure they will look at the footage and time it better next time.

 

[Mbruno]

The Queen wanted to test Catherine and to give William a chance.

Poor Catherine in a bid to make William look like an active member of the BRF, they placed Catherine in the bright spotlight and she made some very big mistakes.

Her biggest was leaving President Xi Jinping hanging during the toast.
Not once but twice.
During the first toast, His Excellency Mr. Wang Huning had to nudge her to turn around to toast President Xi Jinping. During the second toast she was slow to toast Mr. Wang Huning so again she left the President of China hanging.

Her second big mistake was turning to the translation in the program after President Xi Jinping began his speech. Note Philip, Madame Peng, William and Mr. Wang Huning have their programs open.

Her third was trying to make conservation with Mr. Wang Huning while he was trying to read program prior to the speeches. (video 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbC-LMHwRyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaTw5PNLhM

Interesting that the Chinese media didn't notice those so-called "mistakes". On the contrary, judging from the reaction in China, Kate was the star of president Xi's visit.

Camilla, on the other hand, remained invisible, more so than her husband, whose meeting with president Xi at Clarence House also got little coverage in China.

 

[Rudolph]

To give you an idea of just how invisible Camilla was, a prominent Chinese reporter was referring to W&K as the next 'King and Queen of England' throughout the visit.

 

[Mirabel]

Those so-called mistakes seem very minor to me.
Naturally there will be a few seconds when things don't go smoothly, since people aren't robots.

I believe that, on the whole, it was an extremely successful event and the Chinese delegation was pleased.

Thank you Tila! She's so beautiful!

The Marchioness is one of the Hanbury sisters, who have been compared to Kate and Pippa. Rose married the Marquis of Cholmondeley, and her sister Marina wed the Earl of Durham.



Sister Act; When Rose Hanbury Married England's Most Eligible Bachelor and Became Chatelaine of the Magnificent Houghton Hall, Her Equally Alluring Sister Marina Lost No Time in Bagging Her Own Stately Suitor. Natasha Garnett on a Tale of Two Ver

 

[Rudolph]

HONG KONG — When the Duchess of Cambridge wore a bright red dress to the state banquet honouring Chinese President Xi Jinping in London this week, China’s press went to town.

“Kate is wearing Chinese red to greet the President and his wife,” trumpeted a headline in the state-owned China Daily newspaper, a reference to the wife of Prince William, second in line to his grandmother the Queen, who hosted the dinner.

Attention to such details, the pomp that’s marked Xi’s visit to Britain, and old-fashioned political pragmatism have helped revive a relationship in a way that seemed unlikely just seven months ago.

Since Britain in March became the first major Western country to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, London has been steadily campaigning to become what Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne calls “China’s best partner in the West.” In contrast to the aftermath of Prime Minister David Cameron’s meeting with the Dalai Lama in 2012, when China’s press portrayed Britain as a destination good only for tourism and education, it’s now touting a “golden era” of ties.

Read more: Kate’s red dress wins over Chinese media while Xi Jinping visit leaves bad taste for some in Britain | National Post

 

[Spheno]

19 October 2015 Court Circular

BUCKINGHAM PALACE:
The Viscount Hood (Lord in Waiting) was present at Heathrow Airport, London, this evening upon the Arrival of The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan and welcomed Their Excellencies on behalf of The Queen.

20 October 2015 Court Circular

BUCKINGHAM PALACE:
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan today commenced a State Visit in London to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall welcomed The President and Madame Peng Liyuan on behalf of The Queen at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan, accompanied by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, drove to Horse Guards and were met by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan, accompanied by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, drove in a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace with a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry.
Gun Salutes were fired in Green Park by The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.
Guards of Honour were provided at Horse Guards by 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and at Buckingham Palace by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, The Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard and a Detachment of Household Cavalry were on duty.
The President of the People's Republic of China this afternoon visited the Palace of Westminster and was received by the Lord Speaker (the Baroness D'Souza) and the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP (Speaker of the House of Commons).
The Speaker welcomed The President and His Excellency delivered an Address.
The President of the People's Republic of China subsequently attended a Reception with Peers, Members of Parliament and other guests.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan later visited The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House.
The Duke of Cambridge called upon The President of the People's Republic of China at Buckingham Palace.
Mr. Jeremy Corbyn MP (Leader of the Opposition) subsequently called upon The President.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh gave a State Banquet this evening in honour of The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan at which The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy and Princess Michael of Kent were present.
The following had the honour of being invited:
Suite of The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan:
His Excellency Mr. Wang Huning (Member of the Political Bureau and Director of the Policy Research Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China), His Excellency Mr. Li Zhanshu (Member of the Political Bureau, Member of the Secretariat and Director of the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China), His Excellency Mr. Yang Jiechi (State Councillor), His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi (Minister of Foreign Affairs), His Excellency Mr. Xu Shaoshi (Minister of National Development and Reform Commission), His Excellency Mr. Gao Hucheng (Minister of Commerce), His Excellency Mr. Liu He (Director of the Financial and Economic Affairs Office), His Excellency Mr. Ding Xuexiang (Executive Vice Director of the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chief of Staff to The President), His Excellency Mr. Liu Xiaoming (Ambassador from the People's Republic of China to the Court of St. James's) and Madame Hu Pinghua, and His Excellency Mr. Wang Chao (Vice-Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Specially attached to The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan:
Mrs. Michael Gordon Lennox (Lady in Waiting), the Viscount Hood (Lord in Waiting) and the Viscountess Hood, Ms. Barbara Woodward (Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China) and Wing Commander Sam Fletcher RAF (Equerry in Waiting).
Diplomatic Corps:
His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Hayashi, His Excellency the Ambassador of the United States of America, His Excellency the High Commissioner for the Republic of India and Mrs. Mathai, His Excellency the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency the High Commissioner for the Republic of Singapore.
The Cabinet and Government:
The Prime Minister and Mrs. Cameron, the First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Hon. Mrs. Osborne, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Mrs. Hammond, the Secretary of State for Health and Mrs. Hunt, the Leader of the House of Lords (the Baroness Stowell of Beeston), the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Mrs. Javid and the Rt. Hon. Hugo Swire MP (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and Mrs. Swire.
Special Invitations:
Brigadier and Mrs. David Allfrey, the Lord Alli, the Viscount and Viscountess Astor, Mr. Lionel Barber and Ms. Victoria Greenwood, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Welby, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Carney, the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, Mr. Jeremy Corbyn MP, Sir Martin and Lady Davidson, Sir Ciarán Devane, the Rt. Hon. Nigel Dodds MP and Mrs. Dodds, Dame Ann Dowling and Dr. Tom Hynes, the Lord Speaker (the Baroness D'Souza), Mr. Robert Dudley, the Baroness Dunn and Mr. Michael Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Warren East, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Flint, Mr. Richard Graham MP and Mrs. Graham, Professor Sir David and Lady Greenaway, Sir Jeremy and Lady Heywood, Mr. Gregory Hodkinson and Ms. Siobhan O'Connor, General Sir Nicholas and Lady Houghton, Sir Henry and Lady Keswick, Sir Julian King and Ms. Lotte Knudsen, Ms. Katie Leung and Mr. Enrico Caira, Mr. Jean-Bernard Lévy, the Rt. Hon. Ed Llewellyn, the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of London and the Lady Mayoress, Sir Mark and Lady Lyall Grant, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Mackey, Sir Simon and the Hon. Lady McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Menezes, the Lord and Lady Neuberger of Abbotsbury, Professor Peter Nolan and Ms. Siobain Mulligan, Sir Paul and Lady Nurse, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Olisa, the Rt. Hon. Angus Robertson MP and Ms. Jennifer Dempsie, the Lord and Lady Sassoon, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Segars, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Speth, Sir David and Lady Tang, Mr. Robert Thomson and Ms. Wang Ping, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and the Lady Wallace of Tankerness, the Lord and Lady Wei, and Sir Andrew and Lady Witty.
Members of the accompanying Chinese Delegation:
Mr. Wang Shaojun (Deputy Director, General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Director, Central Security Bureau), Mr. Zhong Shaojun (Secretary to The President of the People's Republic of China), Mr. Lv Luhua (Secretary to The President of The People's Republic of China), Mr. Liu Haixing (Director-General, Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Wang Yajun (Director-General, Department of Policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Lu Kang (Director-General, Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Qin Gang (Director-General, Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Ms. Fa Jun (Secretary to Madame Peng Liyuan), Ms. Chen Yundai (Physician and Professor), Mr. Wu Weiping (Physician and Professor), Mr. Wu Ziming (Physician and Professor), Mr. Li Yaguang (Security Guard to The President of the People's Republic of China), Mr. Ding Zongfeng (Staff Officer, Central Security Bureau), Mr. Sun Yufa (Physician and Professor) and Mr. Zhu Qin (DDG, Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

 

[Spheno]

21 October 2015 Court Circular

BUCKINGHAM PALACE:
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan this morning visited Imperial College London, London SW7, and were received by The Duke of York, the Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP (Chancellor of the Exchequer), Professor Alice Gast (President of Imperial College London) and Professor James Stirling (Provost).
Their Excellencies, accompanied by His Royal Highness, visited the Data Sciences Institute and the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, attending presentations on research and collaborations with Chinese partners and meeting students and staff.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan afterwards visited the Creative Collaborations: UK and China Event at Lancaster House, London SW1, and were received by The Duke of Cambridge, President, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and The Duchess of Cambridge, the Rt. Hon. John Whittingdale MP (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport), Mr. Edward Vaizey MP (Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Digital Industries), jointly with Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) and Ms. Amanda Berry (Chief Executive, British Association of Film and Television Arts).
The President and Madame Peng Liyuan viewed Showcases presented by United Kingdom and Chinese media, entertainment and arts organisations and observed musical and theatrical performances.
The President of the People's Republic of China this afternoon visited No. 10 Downing Street and was entertained to Luncheon by the Prime Minister and subsequently had talks with the Prime Minister on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.
The President of the People's Republic of China later visited the United Kingdom-China Business Summit, Mansion House, London EC4, and was received by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor (Alderman Alan Yarrow), Mr. Jiang Zengwei (Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) and the Lord Sassoon (Chairman of China-British Business Council).
The President met Chief Executive Officers and Chairmen of United Kingdom and Chinese companies and witnessed the signing of trade agreements.
His Excellency delivered an Address.
The President of the People's Republic of China afterwards visited Huawei Technologies United Kingdom Limited, 99 Bishopsgate, London EC2, and was received by Mr. Zhengfei Ren (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Huawei) and the Lord O'Neill of Gatley (Commercial Secretary to the Treasury).
The President viewed a display reflecting China-UK co-operation, employee activities and joint-innovation with United Kingdom partners and addressed those present.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan this evening received an Address of Welcome and were entertained at a Banquet by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation at Guildhall.
The Duke of York was present.
Madame Peng Liyuan this afternoon visited Fortismere College, Tetherdown, London N10.

22 October 2015 Court Circular


BUCKINGHAM PALACE:
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan, with the Chinese Suite in attendance, took leave of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh this morning and left Buckingham Palace.
The President of the People's Republic of China afterwards visited Inmarsat, 99 City Road, London EC1, and was received by The Duke of York, the Rt. Hon. Gregory Hands MP (Chief Secretary to the Treasury), Mr. Andrew Sukawaty (Chairman) and Mr. Rupert Pearce (Chief Executive Officer).
His Excellency, accompanied by The Duke of York, viewed a model satellite, satellite equipment and a display of Inmarsat network traffic and satellites being flown in real time.
The President of the People's Republic of China, accompanied by The Duke of York, afterwards visited the United Kingdom Confucius Institute and Confucius Classroom Conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1, and was received by Mr. Nicolas Gibb MP (Minister of State for Schools, Department for Education), Professor Michael Arthur (Provost and President, University College London) and Professor Chris Husbands (Director, Institute of Education, University College London).
His Excellency, accompanied by The Duke of York, viewed a display on the history of Confucius Institutes in the United Kingdom and observed a performance and poetry reading.
The President of the People's Republic of China and The Duke of York addressed those present.
The President this afternoon visited Chequers, Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire, and, having been received by the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury), held bilateral talks.
The President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuang were entertained to Dinner by the Prime Minister and Mrs. Cameron.
The President and Madame Peng Liyuan were later received at Manchester Airport by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester (Mr. Warren Smith) and the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester (Councillor Paul Murphy).
Madame Peng Liyuan this morning visited the Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7.