Flashback Friday: The Kings of Spain Begin State Visit to the UK

On April 22, 1986 King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain arrived in London to begin their state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Spanish head of state in over 80 years.

They were greeted at Heathrow Airport by the Prince and Princess of Wales, before travelling to Windsor Castle for the official welcoming ceremony presided over by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In the following video, you can see the King and Queen greeting other members of the British Royal Family – including the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent – before footage of the gala banquet at Windsor Castle is shown.

Filed under Spain, The United Kingdom
Tagged Diana Princess of Wales, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, State Visit, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales.