Russian president Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila were joined by Princess Michael of Kent for a banquet in London's Guildhall this week. The feast was hosted by the Lord Mayor, and Vladimir enjoyed a chat with the Princess before making a speech before some 700 guests.
Emphasising the long history of relations between Britain and Russia, he said recent tensions should not deter the two countries from working together. "Four hundred and fifty years is a long period, it is no surprise during this time we have periods of partnership and co-operation and episodes of mistrust and ideological rivalry," he said.
Earlier in the day he and his wife made a day-trip to Scotland, where the Duke of York and First Minister Jack McConnell took them on a tour of Edinburgh Castle.
Pipers played Scotland The Brave for the Russian premiere as he enjoyed spectacular views over the city. The former KGB agent also inspected a portrait of Tsar Nicholas II in the castle's National War Museum. No doubt Mr Putin was already aware of his country's historical links with Scotland. The Tsar, who was married to Queen Victoria's granddaughter, was made Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Scots Greys in 1895.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
