Paris flower market renamed in British Queen's honour
A central Paris flower market has been renamed to honour Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, marking the end of her three-day visit to France for the 70th commemoration of D-Day.
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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the market, which is now known as Marche aux Fleurs – Reine Elizabeth II, accompanied by French President François Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
Hundreds of well-wishers cheered "Vive la Reine" nearby Paris’ City Hall before crossing over the Seine to rename the flower market.
"We know of your Majesty's fondness for Paris," said Hidalgo. "You have secured the affection of the French..and Parisians."
The 88-year old Queen unveiled a street sign and a plaque bearing her name in the market, a place she visited during her first trip to France in 1948 as a princess.
The renaming was a token of gratitude for the role of the British in helping liberate the country during World War II.
On Friday, the Queen joined 20 other heads of states on Sword beach to honour veterans and their fallen comrades.
The Queen was also a guest of honour at an Elysee Palace banquet on Friday night hosted by President François Hollande.
Alternating between French and English, the Queen expressed her pride in the courage of the allied forces, adding that “Our peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted and must constantly be tended.”
She boarded a private plane late Saturday morning to return to England following a ceremonial departure from France with President Hollande in attendance.
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