<![CDATA[Tonight The Queen hosted a State Banquet in honour
of the visit from the Singaporean President this evening.
Held at Buckingham Palace, The Queen was joined by Tony Tan
Keng Yam and Mrs Tan as guests of honour on their visit to the
UK. The extended family attended the banquet, with Prince Philip,
Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, The Duke and Duchess of
Gloucester, Princess Alexandra and The Duke of Kent also there.
A total of 170 guests were at the Palace. Other guests
included Prime Minister David Cameron, dignitaries and those with a
business or cultural background.
Both The President and The Queen gave speeches, acknowledging
the relationship between the two countries, with Her Majesty
recalling her three trips to the republic over the course of her
reign and welcoming the couple on their visit. She also thanked
them for the welcome given to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on
their tour of South-east Asia in 2012. “I have no doubt that
by maintaining long-standing commitments to openness, fairness and
enterprise, this friendship will not only be sustained but will
flourish and thrive.” Her Majesty commented.
Tony Tan Keng Yam referred to the mutual respect that the UK
and Singapore have built over the years in his speech at the
white-tie event: “Strong people-to-people ties underpin our
economic, cultural and educational links. Many generations of
British people have contributed to Singapore’s development, and
their legacies are preserved in Singapore’s cityscape.” He also
invited Her Majesty to Singapore next year, the 50th anniversary of
the country’s independence, saying that the people of Singapore
have ‘genuine affection’ for The Queen.
The Queen wore the red and white Singaporean Order of Temasek,
and the flag of Singapore has been on display down the Mall in
recognition of this visit. Orchids, the national flower, were used
in the floral displays too.
Earlier today, The Queen and Duke of
Edinburgh officially welcomed President and Mrs Tan at Horse
Guard’s Parade and showed them items of Singaporean relevance in
the Royal Collection.
Featured photo: Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills]]>
