[UK][VIDEO] The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2011

Queen Elizabeth addresses the highlights (the good and the bad) in the world, spec. the Commonwealth and in her family (re: Zara & William's weddings).

Now watching "The Queen's Hidden Cousins"

Spotted in Red #2 - Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen in Liverpool

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[UK][VIDEO] Queen opened the Museum of Liverpool and met Yoko Ono

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[United Kingdom][VIDEO] Queen Elizabeth II gives ceremonial welcome to Turkey's President Abdullah Gül

[United Kingdom] Prince Philip and the Queen join PM David Cameron and wife Samantha for Downing Street lunch

For the first time in nine years, the Queen and Prince Philip paid a visit to 10 Downing Street. Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha invited the Duke of Edinburgh for a special 90th birthday lunch of stilton and watercress tarts, roast Scottish beef, and peaches with ice cream. Samantha encouraged the ever modest Philip to step out from the background and pose for a photo on the doorstep of their London residence. There was no discussion of politics and the lunch remained a light-hearted celebration of the Prince's landmark birthday.

The PM recently displayed his affection for the Duke in a House of Commons speech describing him as a man with a "down-to-earth, no nonsense approach that the British people often find enduring."

After listing his many humanitarian and military acheivments, Mr Cameron cut the speech short because, quoting Philip, "the mind cannot absorb what the backside cannot endure." The royal family gathered for the official celebration at Windsor castle earlier this month

The welcoming party

David Cameron greeting the Queen

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[United Kingdom] [VIDEO] Short video of Order of the Garter Service today

[United Kingdom] Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the Investec Derby at Epsom yesterday

Also in the Royal Box at Epsom was the Duke of York and his daughters. The Queen did not appear on the balcony during the race, preferring to watch it on television inside. One race official said she was "just too tense".

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[United Kingdom] The Queen in dashing pink at the Investec Derby at Epsom yesterday

The Queen's horse, Carlton House, may have failed to win the Investec Derby but nothing could dampen the mood at Epsom racecourse, where the Royal family enjoyed its first get-together since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On the background, we can see Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh - who turns 90 next week - attended.

The Queen, focused on the races, with her son, the Earl of Wessex

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What did the Obamas give to the Royal Family during their UK state visit?

As only the second state visit by a US President during Her Majesty's reign, the Obamas' trip to Britain is an important occasion.

And those involved marked the event with the exchanging of gifts, which included jewellery, pony bits and a jar of honey.

The two heads of state, and their spouses, offered each other specially bound books, with Barack Obama receiving facsimiles of Royal Archive letters sent between Queen Victoria and a succession of American presidents.

The documents were bound in red leather with gold lettering and displayed in a presentation box.

The Queen received a handmade leather bound album containing rare memorabilia and photographs that chronologically highlight the trip of her parents to America in 1939, the first by a reigning British monarch.

Michelle was given an antique gold and red coral brooch in the form of roses, presented in a jewel box covered in the same red leather as her husband's book.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were offered plants, seedlings and seeds from the South Lawn of the White House and jars of honey from the White House beehive.

And newlyweds Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received laptop computers from the Obamas as wedding gifts.

These have gone to the Northern Ireland branch of PeacePlayers international which uses basketball to bring children from opposing communities together.

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Queen Elizabeth's historic visit to Ireland - all the posts

Day One - Part One, Part Two

Day Two - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five

Day Three - Part One, Part Two

Day Four (unique post)

Queen Elizabeth hosted state dinner for President Barack Obama

It was quite a guest list. Day one of the Obamas' trip to Britain drew to a close with a state banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen – featuring several Hollywood stars.
Among the 171 guests present were Kevin Spacey, Tom Hanks and director Tim Burton and his partner Helena Bonham Carter.
Virgin boss Richard Branson was there, as was Prime Minister David Cameron and his predecessors Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
A long day of public appointments had done nothing to dent the enthusiasm or energy of the high profile guests, who smiled warmly throughout.
Mr Obama paid tribute to the Queen's "lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world."
His wife Michelle looked stunning in a Tom Ford gown, accessorized with white gloves and a jewelled clutch.
During their time in the capital the US visitors are staying in the Belgian suite – the same one used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding night.

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Pomp and circumstance on Obamas' state visit

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have been welcomed to Britain by senior royals.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall met the VIP guests at Winfield House, the residence of the US Ambassador, before escorting them to Buckingham Palace.

First lady Michelle looked colourful in a blue patterned 50s style swing dress and a pink shrug.

Meanwhile, Camilla was elegant in a cream outfit by Anna Valentine with a Philip Treacy hat.

At the Palace, they were warmly greeted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Once inside, they met the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, fresh from their honeymoon in the Seychelles, in the lavish 1844 room of the Palace.

The Obamas then stepped into the garden for a full ceremonial welcome, which included the playing of both the American and British National Anthem.

A 41-gun salute from the Tower of London was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company to mark the second state visit by a US President during Her Majesty's reign.

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Queen Elizabeth in Ireland - Day Four (and last)

Queen Elizabeth II and party arrive at the Rock of Cashel

At the nave of the Cathedral at St Patrick's Rock Cashel

Her Majesty was escorted by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD and Dr Eugene Keane of the OPW.

Queen Elizabeth II with the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Michael O Connell in the English Market in County Cork

Queen Elizabeth II meeting Fish Monger Pat O'Connell and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney

Queen Elizabeth II meets the public outside the English Market

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visiting Tyndall National Institute in Cork where they were given a Nanoelectronics demonstration by Prof. Brendan O' Neill

Queen Elizabeth II and Angie Benhaffaf (far right) with her twins Hassan & Hussein (held by Sinead O'Sullivan, HR Dept Tyndall) pictured at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork

From the Tyndall National Institute Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II travelled to Cork airport where she was due to depart.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny escorted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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Queen Elizabeth in Ireland - Day Three (part Two) - Convention Centre Event

President McAleese and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrive in the Convention Centre Dublin

 

Queen Elizabeth II meeting Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD and Minister for Children , Frances Fitzgerald TD

Photo shows from left Patrick Hickey, Olympic Council of Ireland; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II meeting Irish Olympic athlete, Derval O' Rourke (right)

The guests of honour watching the fashion show

Her Majesty meets performer Mary Byrne

HM Queen Elizabeth II tonight welcomed President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Enda Kenny among other guests to an event hosted by British Ambassador Julian King at the Convention Centre Dublin. The evening involved a fashion show, music and other entertainment.

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Queen Elizabeth in Ireland - Day Three (part One) - The National Stud in Kildare

On the third day of her state visit to Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II visited The National Stud in Kildare. Some pictures from the day are available below.

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Photo shows stallion handler Paul Croke with "Jeremy" being viewed by Mr John Osbourne , CEO of The Irish National Stud ; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ; with Chryss O'Reilly , Chair of the Board of The Irish National Stud; Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney TD ; Mr Shane McEntee TD and HRH , Duke of Edinburgh ; in the Stallion Yard of the National Stud while on the third day of State Visit to Ireland .

Queen Elizabeth II receiving flowers from Emma Osbourne (8); with Mr John Osbourne , CEO of The Irish National Stud (right); and Chryss O'Reilly , Chair of the Board of The Irish National Stud (left)