State Banquet

I've had a look at the guest list for the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on the 24th May, in honour of the President of the United States and Mrs Obama.

In the picture above, Her Majesty wears the Garter Star and sash; as does Prince Philip, who also wears the Breast Star of the Thistle, the Neck Badge of the Order of Merit and miniature Decorations.

The only two guests from Northern Ireland - correct me if I'm wrong - were the Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough, of Colebrooke Park in County Fermanagh.

Lord Brookeborough is a Lord-in-Waiting to Her Majesty.

Despite the hasty change to their planned schedule, Mr and Mrs Obama were still given the formal welcome expected of a state visit when they touched down at Stansted Airport on the 23rd May. They were greeted by Lord Brookeborough, who met them on behalf of the Queen.

I have been subjective and selective, though the List included:

• The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, 
• The Duke of York, 
• The Earl and Countess of Wessex, 
• The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence, 
• The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, 
• The Duke of Kent, 
• Prince and Princess Michael of Kent 
• Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy
• The Lady Elton (Lady in Waiting), 
• the Viscount Brookeborough (Lord in Waiting) and the Viscountess Brookeborough, 
• Sir Nigel Sheinwald (HM Ambassador) and Lady Sheinwald, 
• Major Dan Rex (Equerry in Waiting)
• The Lord Chancellor (the Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke MP) and Mrs. Clarke, 
• The Prime Minister and Mrs. Cameron, 
• The Rt. Hon. Nicholas Clegg MP and Ms. Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, 
• The Leader of the House of Lords (the Lord Strathclyde) and the Lady Strathclyde, 
• The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Mrs. Hague, 
• The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Mrs. Cable 
• The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mrs. Osborne
• The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Williams, 
• The Speaker of the House of Commons and Mrs. Bercow, 
• The Rt. Hon. the Lord Speaker and Mr. Martin Hayman, 
• The President of the Supreme Court and the Lady Phillips of Worth Matravers, 
• The Lord Great Chamberlain and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, 
• The Earl and Countess of Airlie
• The Lord Coe and Miss Carole Annett, 
• The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major and Dame Norma Major 
• The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, 
• General Sir David and Lady Richards, 
• Sir Augustine and Lady O'Donnell,
• Sir Paul and Lady Nurse, 
• Sir Richard and Lady Branson, 
• Sir Martin and Lady Sorrell, 
• Sir Christopher and Lady Gent, 
• Sir David and Lady Brewer, 
• Sir Ian and Lady McAllister, 
• Sir Paul and Lady Stephenson, 
• The Mayor of London (Mr. Boris Johnson) and Mrs. Marina Wheeler, 
• Mr. Mervyn King and Mrs. Barbara Melander-King, 
• Mr. Tim Burton and Ms. Helena Bonham-Carter,
• Mr. Kevin Spacey,