COURT CIRCULAR

Windsor Castle

The President of Ireland and Mrs Sabina Higgins, with the Irish Suite in attendance, left Windsor Castle this morning.

The President and Mrs Higgins later visited the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon, and were received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire (Mr Timothy Cox), the Chairman (Mr Nigel Hugill) and the Mayor of Stratford (Councillor Diane Walden).

The President and Mrs Higgins toured the theatre and viewed a short performance.

The President of Ireland and Mrs Higgins this afternoon visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, and were received by the Honorary President of Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust (Professor Stanley Wells) and Dr Diana Owen (Director).

His Excellency and Mrs Higgins toured the house and viewed a display of Shakespeare’s Treasures.

Afterwards The President of Ireland and Mrs Higgins were entertained to Luncheon by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire at the Saxon Mill, Coventry Road, Guys Cliffe.

The President and Mrs Higgins later visited Coventry Cathedral and were received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands (Mr Paul Sabapathy), the Dean (the Very Reverend John Witcombe) and the Lord Mayor of Coventry (Councillor Gary Crookes).

The President of Ireland and Mrs Higgins afterwards attended an Irish Community Reception at St Mary’s Guildhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry.

The Lord Mayor welcomed The President and Mrs Higgins and His Excellency subsequently delivered an Address to the Irish Community.

The President of Ireland and Mrs Higgins then concluded the State Visit to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Earl Peel (Lord Chamberlain) was present at Coventry Airport later upon the Departure of The President of Ireland and Mrs Higgins and bade farewell to His Excellency and Mrs Higgins on behalf of The Queen.

Kensington Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this morning visited Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, Whenuapai.

Their Royal Highnesses this afternoon took part in a Sailing Match Race in Auckland Harbour with Team New Zealand.

Buckingham Palace

The Princess Royal, Guardian, Give Them A Sporting Chance, this morning held a Management Team Planning Meeting.

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Kent, Chancellor, University of Surrey, this morning presented Higher Degrees at Guildford Cathedral.