Queen to make state visit to France

The Queen was invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are to make a three-day state visit to France this summer, Buckingham Palace has said.

The Queen is expected to arrive in France on 5 June and spend the following day in Normandy for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

She will then travel on to Paris, with Prince Philip.

The Queen, who last made a state visit to France in April 2004, was invited by France's president Francois Hollande.

In a short statement, the palace said: "The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will make a state visit to France from 5 to 7 June.

"Her Majesty and His Royal Highness are visiting at the invitation of the President of France, President Hollande.

"On 6 June the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend events in Normandy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

"On 6 and 7 June Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will attend state visit events in Paris and be received at the Elysee Palace by President Hollande."