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Normandy Landings visit for Queen
Queen Elizabeth has confirmed a state visit to France, ending rumours she is handing over duties to Charles
Article written April 2, 2014
THE Queen of Britain will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings on a state visit to France in June, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The 87-year-old monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh will also attend various state events during the three-day trip, which starts on June 5.
The royal couple will be received at the Elysée Palace by President François Hollande, who invited them.
It is the Queen’s fifth state visit to France, and her first since 2004. As well as Paris, the monarch has previously visited Loire and Bordeaux, Provence, Normandy and Lille.
It is her first state visit for three years. Ill health forced her to cancel a planned trip to Italy in 2013, while Prince Charles undertook her duties for last November’s Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Sri Lanka.
It was widely reported in the British media last month that there would be a « handing over of the reins » from the Queen to Prince Charles but the announcement of the French visit has put paid to rumours that all overseas visits will now be undertaken by Charles.
