Photograph of HM The Queen (b.1926), HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021), The Prince of Wales (b.1948) and Princess Anne (b.1950) in an open carraige outside Temple Bar, Fleet Street. The Queen is presented with a ceremonial sword by the Lord Mayor of London, surrounded by officials and other people. Two footmen on the back of the carriage.

On the occasion of a State entry to the City of London, the Lord Mayor meets the Sovereign at the City boundary, Temple Bar in Fleet Street and offers his sword of state, point downwards. The Queen touches the sword, after which she continues on her way. This custom dates from the time when Elizabeth I passed through the City boundary on her way to St Paul’s Cathedral to give thanks for the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. In November 1972 The Queen attended a Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey before proceeding to the Guildhall in the City of London via Temple Bar or lunch with the Lord Mayor.