Carolina Pimentel
Reporter - Agência Brasil

London - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva initiated his first State visit to the United Kingdom, today (7). He was received by Queen Elizabeth II, who was escorted by the Horse Guard, the regiment in charge of the queen's security.

After reviewing the troops, Lula accompanied the queen in a ten-minute coach ride to Buckingham Palace, the royal family's official residence, to the sounds of the Brazilian national anthem. Other coaches followed, carrying Lula's wife, Marisa Letícia, the prince consort, Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the ministers who are part of the Brazilian entourage.

Lula and his entourage will be guests at Buckingham Palace during the three-day visit. Today the president will visit an exhibit of Brazilian pieces from the British royal family collection. He will also receive the leaders of the opposition, David Cameron, of the Conservative Party, and Manzi Campbell, of the Liberal Democratic Party. Tonight the queen will offer a banquet in honor of the president.

Translation: David Silberstein