(11 Apr 1957) At Orly Airport the royal "Viscount" arrived, bringing the Queen, followed by Prince Philip, to begin her four day State visit and received the warmest of welcomes from President Coty. In the afternoon, the Queen's first public engagement was a drive to the Unknown Soldier's Tomb. She was accompanied by the French Minister of Defence. At the Arc de Triomphe, Her Majesty laid a huge wreath in tribute to the fallen. Next was the signing of the Golden Book, as the band struck up a world famous British Tune. Then, the drive back to the Palace where a State banquet was held that evening. The highlight of the banquet was the Queen's reply to President Coty's speech of welcome. The climax of the first day was the visit to the Opera, where a State performance was given. Among the diplomats present was the British Ambassador, Sir Gladwyn Jebb. A vast crowd thronged the approach to the Opera - all eyes were on the Queen as she drove up with the President. The Queen was radiant and the occasion brilliant as the royal party took their places, to watch the ballet called "Le Chevalier et la Demoiselle". During the interval, stars of the ballet were presented. And, with the Prince and the President, Her Majesty came out onto the balcony to wave to the great crowd.

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