Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth greets President of Indonesia

Nov 1, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth granted the President of Indonesia at honorary knighthood yesterday (31.10.12).

The 86-year-old monarch was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh and British Prime Minister David Cameron as she greeted Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono at London's Horse Guards Parade for the start of their three-day UK tour.

The couples travelled in a state carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where the queen presented Susilo with the honour - which is traditionally given to foreign heads of state on state visits - and gave him two photographs in silver frames.

Elizabeth also handed him a leather-bound first edition copy of Sir Winston Churchill's 'The World Crisis 1911-1918' book - which was encased in a presentation box - and she gave him a porcelain flower and a pair of china candlesticks to Ani.

Last night, the queen - who is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year - hosted a state banquet for the Indonesian royals, who presented her with a painting entitled 'Mother Of Beauty' as a thank-you for her hospitality.

Susilo and Ani - who are residing at Buckingham Palace throughout their visit - also met David Cameron and were due to receive phone calls from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband.

The couple are also due to visit Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at their London home, Clarence House, where they will have dinner and talk about Charles' charity work, and they will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.