The flags flapping on Windsor castle in the distance were a lovely welcome to the quaint town this morning on what was a beautiful blue-sky morning.

A big red-carpeted stage adorned with massive bouquets awaited the arrival of monarchs and Presidents alike and as we took our positions on “Stand 1” we noticed that security was subtle. We excitedly entertained the notion that the guys on the roof opposite were undercover snipers, but alas, they were just men with binoculars.

At 11.40am this morning a sovereign’s escort of Household Cavalry set off. While this official terminology for the regiments that took part in today’s regal pomp ceremony may not mean much to us, it materialised in the form of men in black trousers with two red stripes running down the side, big red coats adorned with gold buttons and gold tresses. Then there were more men donning what could only be described as red pedal pushers (or jodpurs) with white tights and red jackets even more embellished and more ornate with gold decoration.

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And there were horses, lots of horses.

The whole thing truly was spectacular.

As we waited on Datchet Road, signs of activity were emerging. Men in top-hats and red gowns started appearing, bells started clanging, the clanging building moment as time passed - next thing there were trumpets.

I swear in the middle of all this I even heard a James Bond theme tune.

Then the numbers started to come in. It’s thought that there were approximately 300 horses and 700 army personnel involved. The horses were magnificent black beauties with crinkles (evidence of plaiting!) in their tails while some of the mounted cavalry played trumpets (or trombones, who knows) – while on a horse.

The music became seriously upbeat when the Queen arrived. The Palace press officer (who himself very much looked the part – he was suitably dapper and dashing and kitted out in a khaki quilted jacket) informed us that for the ceremony, the Queen was wearing a coat and dress by Stewart Parvin and hat by Angela Kelly – the same outfit she wore to Prince George’s christening.

After the formalities were done with everyone alighted carriages. One particular carriage sailed by, its passengers Charles, Camilla, Eamon Gilmore and his wife Carol Hanney chatting animatedly. That is sure to be a highlight for the Minister when he looks back upon his career.

In terms of the significance of the whole affair, Amhrán na bhFiann being played in the midst of all this British regal, made every Irish person present pause and forget the hype for a second.

Westminster Abbey was more sombre and less pomp. The Dean, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, visibly excited to be part of such an event, waited at the door and just beyond we could see police motorbikes spinning in in a blue, white and yellow whizz, with the President’s car (complete with flag atop) just behind.

The President and Sabina were greeted and introduced to the chapter, the governing body of the abbey and to the canons of the abbey. Then the great double doors closed behind them; we had the Abbey to ourselves.

Many of those present in the abbey were wearing long robes, some of them covered in black capes while other worn maroon robes and white dicky bows. There was one lady in fur with white gloves and a lace blouse with big frills on the front.

The president laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown warrior. He met Hughie O'Donoghue, an artist of Irish descent who designed stained glass windows in the chapel, visited the Poets Corner and signed the distinguished visitors’ book before pausing at the plaque in memory of Earl and Countess Mountbatten.

Irish Country Living did not attend all the events but President Higgins himself, was also kept busy with an embassy event in the morning where he met HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

After the Datchet Road event there was a Ceremonial Arrival at Windsor Castle where he had lunch and viewed Irish-related items from the Royal Collection. The political event of the week took the form of his speech at the Palace of Westminster and after several officialities at Windsor this evening he is sitting down to a state banquet.

We don’t envy his schedule!