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Wednesday 22 March 2023 Dublin: 11°C
# State Visit
Friends, Shakespeare and an Irish Wolfhound: The historic State Visit in 22 photos
Pleasantry and pageantry.

IT WAS HAILED as memorable, historic and significant as President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina were accompanied by members of the family as they trekked around London.

There were serious political moments with Queen Elizabeth shaking Martin McGuinness’s hand again, the commitment from the British monarch to participate in 1916 commemorations in the coming years and the laying of wreathes at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The visit was the final step to cement a neighbourly friendship between Ireland and Great Britain, a way to put a chequered past to bed.

But it also just looked like a jolly good time was had by all. Here are some of the best moments caught on camera from the past five days.

Chats Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography The Queen and President Higgins really seem to hit it off. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Fans Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography They even seemed to agree on the quality of the fan. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

BFFs Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography It was BFFs at first sight. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Banquet Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography The impressive banquet set up for the State dinner on Tuesday evening. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Albert Hall Fennell Photography The set up at Albert Hall on Thursday was also pretty spectacular. Fennell Photography

Boris Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography There was also a chance to catch up with London favourite, Boris Johnson. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Ed Miliban Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography And Ed Miliband. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

cst Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography The week started off with Michael D Higgins getting a ride with Prince Charles before greeting his mother. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Martin McGuinness Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography Queen Elizabeth looks happy to greet Martin McGuinness on Thursday. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Niall Horan M There's Niall Horan. M

Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography Nick Clegg popped into Buckingham Palace as well. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Nurses Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography Michael D meets Irish nurses at a London hospital. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Patient Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography He also greeted patients and other staff at the hospital. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

 

Prime Minister Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography There was time for chats with Prime Minister David Cameron. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

 

wolfhound 2 Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography Domhnall, the Irish Wolfhound, was an excellent addition to the Welcome Ceremony. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

 

On the Farm 2 Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography The trip to the Park House Stables was enjoyed by all, particularly Sabina. Johnny Bambury / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

 

Lambs Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography She also had a great time at the farm. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

floor Malcolm McNally A sombre moment after laying a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The President and his wife pause at the grave of the Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma. Malcolm McNally

 

the ladies Malcolm McNally Both families seemed to enjoy each other's company. Malcolm McNally

shakespeare Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography This seems appropriate. Michael D in William Shakespeare's birthplace. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

 

shakespeare 2 Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

London Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography It was a grand ould holiday, all the same. Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography / Fennell Photography

Read: Niall Horan met President Higgins and Twitter was very confused

DailyEdge.ie: Here’s what President Higgins and the Queen were REALLY thinking during the State Visit

Take Two: The Queen and Martin McGuinness shake hands at Windsor

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