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President Higgins bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II

The State visit to Britain comes to an end in a couple of hours when Michael D. Higgins returns t...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.08 11 Apr 2014


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President Higgins bids farewel...

President Higgins bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.08 11 Apr 2014


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The State visit to Britain comes to an end in a couple of hours when Michael D. Higgins returns to Dublin. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh bid farewell to the President and Sabina Higgins at Windsor this morning.

Presient Higgins has thanked the Queen and said he is pleased at how the trip has gone.

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Queen Elizabeth II, after bidding farwell to President Higgins 

He has since visited Stratford-Upon-Avon - the birthplace of playwright Shakespeare.

he is also visiting Coventry to see the Cathedral and Guild Hall, and to meet members of the Irish community here.

Lord Mayor of the City is Councillor Gary Crookes.

Last night almost 5,000 people attended a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, in honour of President and Sabina Higgins.

Music from acts such as Elvis Costello, Imelda May, Glen Hansard and Paul Brady saw the crowds wave Tricolors in celebration of their Irish connections.

The Irish Embassy in London tweeted this picture of the concert (via @IrelandEmbGB on Twitter)

The celebration of British and Irish Culture Concert at the Royal Albert Hall Thursday

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is pictured with former British PM John Major, Martin McGuinness and the DUP's Peter Robinson

A rendition of The Auld Triangle saw the 5,000 strong audience take to their feet.

Among the concert-goers was 91-year-old Agnes, who is originally from Cork.

The Queen shakes Martin McGuinness's hand, not for the first time, at a reception in St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle

The Queen and Mr. Higgins exchanged gifts at the State Banquet last night.

Queen Elizabeth II gave the President a pair of photographs of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh in silver frames.

He also received a copy of 'Dubliners' by James Joyce, which had been bound and boxed by the Windsor bindery.

Sabina Higgins was given a small engine-turned box with, gold cypher by William and Son.

President Higgins gave the Queen a gift of a table-sized dimpled bronze statue of Arkle - the most feted steeplechaser of the post-war era - with jockey Pat Taaffe on board. It was sculpted by Emma MacDermott.

In his remarks last night, President Higgins said he deeply appreciates the Queen's gracious & generous welcome to the UK.


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