Princess Sophia (now Queen Sofia of Spain) joined her parents, King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece, as they were hosted by French President René Coty on their State Visit to France on this day in 1956, 70 years ago, which was followed by a French State Visit to Greece in 1963!
King Paul, Queen Frederica, and Princess Sophia of Greece were received by French President Rene Coty alongside their aunt, Princess Marie of Greece, cousin, Princess Eugénie of Greece, Duchess of Castel Duino, and her daughter, Princess Tatiana Radziwiłł.
They were officially greeted by President Coty and participated in a traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe
In the evening, President Coty held a State Banquet in honour of King Paul, Queen Frederica (wearing the Greek Ruby Parure), and Princess Sophia (in the Prussian Diamond Tiara), which was also attended by Princess Marie (in her Cartier Olive Wreath Tiara) Princess Eugénie (wearing her Diamond Tiara and the Castel Duino Sapphire Necklace) and Princess Tatiana (wearing the Cartier Pearl Tiara).
King Paul of Greece expressed confidence tonight that a “just solution” of the Cyprus problem would be attained before long. The King, who arrived here today with Queen Frederika for a four-day state visit, spoke at a dinner given at the Elysée Palace by French President René Coty.
The following evening, after visiting the Palace of Versailles, King Paul, Queen Frederica (wearing the Greek Emerald Parure), and Princess Sophia (in the Prussian Diamond Tiara) were guests of honour at a Banquet at the French Foreign Ministry on the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.
On the final day of their official visit to Paris, King Paul and Queen Frederiki of Greece… gave a dinner at the Greek Embassy in honor of French President Mr Rene Coty and Cabinet members. The French prime minister, Mr Guy Mollet, who was not able to attend due to previous political engagements, was represented by the Keeper of the Seals, Mr Francois Mitterrand.
