State Visit at Windsor

We have seen many interesting events in the UK, and even in and around The Royal Bourough, but today's state visit by French President Nicholas Sarkozy has to be near the top of the list. The town was all but closed to traffic, of course, so we took the bus from the Park-Ride at Legoland, just down the road from Ascot. Upon arrival we found crowds of people already lining the parade route.

Windsor was all decked out in British and French flags, and the Queen's Standard (the large one!) was proudly flying atop the Castle. Just before the festivities began, the sun began to peak through proving once again that the President lives under a silver-lined cloud.

Arlene quickly located a local Police Constable who advised us of a good place to stand in order to get a good view of the events. It turned out to be an excellent vantage point, because the coaches passed within yards of our position, and we had great view of the entire pageant.

The parade began with line after line of troops in various ceremonial costumes marching in precision down the High Street. It continued through the Household Cavalry and culminated with the dignitaries themselves. And of course, there was the First Lady!

It was a great show, and once we returned home, we enjoyed watching the President's address to Parliament calling for further cooperation between Britain and France. See more pictures from the State Visit...