A Look Again at Queen Elizabeth II’s First Official Go to to France – WWD

Throughout her historic 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made a collection of state visits that spanned the Commonwealth — and past. 5 years after ascending to the throne, Her Majesty traveled to France in 1957, marking her first official go to as Queen of England.

Elizabeth II beforehand traveled to France in 1948, when she was nonetheless a princess. On the time, she was pregnant with Prince Charles, who would finally succeed her as monarch.

On Wednesday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla make their first official go to to France as reigning royals. The couple initially meant to journey there in March, however they postponed their journey following mass protests surrounding President Emmanuel Macron’s new pension coverage, which noticed the retirement age raised from 62 to 64. Throughout their go to, the king and queen are anticipated to spend time with President Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, rebuilding a bond between the 2 international locations that was broken by Brexit.

Earlier than King Charles III and Queen Camilla land in France, right here’s a glance again at Queen Elizabeth II’s 1957 voyage.

Arrival at Orly

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip touched down in Paris on April 8. They had been greeted by a big crowd upon their arrival at Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president.

Evening on the Opera

French President René Coty invited the royal couple to the Paris Opera, the place they watched a efficiency of the ballet “Le Chevalier et la Damoiselle.” Following the present, the queen greeted lead dancers Liane Daydé and Michel Renaud.

For the event, Elizabeth wore a robe by Norman Hartnell, the designer behind her 1947 marriage ceremony costume. Hartnell’s beaded creation paid homage to France, that includes motifs of the nation’s nationwide flower, the iris, in addition to Napoleon’s emblem, the bumblebee. The queen accessorized with the Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara, which beforehand belonged to her grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck. Elizabeth additionally wore the Delhi Durbar necklace, an extravagant collar consisting of diamonds and several other giant emeralds.

Louvre Reception

President Coty hosted a dinner in celebration of the queen’s go to. Roughly 3,000 friends had been in attendance on the Louvre banquet, which happened within the Salle des Cariatides. In the present day, the wing homes Greek sculptures.

Her Majesty donned an emerald inexperienced robe together with the Women of Nice Britain and Eire tiara. The diamond crown, bought in 1898 as a marriage present to Queen Mary, was crafted by the previous crown jeweller, Garrard.

River Cruise

Accompanied by President Coty, the royal couple traveled alongside the Seine by way of yacht, the place they loved a fireworks show on the Pont Alexandre III.

Queen Elizabeth opted for a white beaded robe accessorized with a fur stole, in addition to Queen Mary’s Fringe tiara, the identical diamond crown she wore on her marriage ceremony day.

Visiting Versailles

After exploring the grounds of France’s most beautiful chateau, a luncheon was held for the queen within the Corridor of Mirrors. Her son, Charles, will even dine on the palace throughout his go to.