When the Queen went to the Opera, 1957

When Queen Elizabeth paid France her first state visit in 1957, the manifestly  Republican country welcomed her lavishly. Ceremonial parades lined up; the Royal Standard flew from the Elysees Palace. The choir of Notre Dame sang to her from the banks of the Seine as she sailed down it.

Three Queens in Mourning

Princess Elizabeth, Queen Mary (the late king’s mother) and Queen Elizabeth (the late king’s consort) made their way slowly into the chapel where the king’s body lay in state.