Visit to Brasilia – November 5-6, 1968

Published in Oct 23, 2018 08:57 PM Updated in Nov 07, 2018 09:11 PM

Queen Elizabeth II and the First Lady of the Federal District, Maria Helena Gomide – Brasilia, November 6, 1968 (Photo: Joaquim Firmino / Federal District's Public Archive)

November 5 – Tuesday

At 12:15, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the Federal Capital where they were welcomed by President Artur da Costa e Silva, beginning their state visit. After settling in at the Hotel Nacional, the Queen, always accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a ceremonial reception at the Alvorada Palace, official residence of the President. Her Majesty then participated in a special session at the Supreme Federal Court; addressed the members of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate at the National Congress; and attended a banquet in her honour at the Itamaraty Palace, headquarters of the Brazilian Foreign Service.

Dinner at Itamaraty Palace in honor of the Queen (Federal District Public Archives)

November 6 – Wednesday

In the morning, the royal couple visited a kindergarten, the Metropolitan Cathedral, where they were welcomed by the Archbishop of Brasília, Dom José Newton de Almeida Batista, as well as the Urban Military Area of the city. Next, for a panoramic view of Brasília, they visited the TV Tower, where Mayor Wadjô Gomide offered the Queen two Brazilian jaguars. The Queen concluded her official programme with a visit to the Embassy of the United Kingdom.

The royal couple left Brasília on board of a Royal Air Force aircraft at 13:00.