TO A trumpet fanfare and a drum roll, the Lord Mayor of the City of London welcomed President Robinson to a dinner in her honour at the Guildhall last night, and escorted her through traditions dating back to the 11th century.
As pikemen, wearing suits of armour and carrying muskets, formed the guard of honour, officers carrying a golden mace and ceremonial sword to protect "against enemies" headed the procession as the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Chalstrey, in his crimson fur robe, silk breeches and ostrich feathered hat led Mrs Robinson to meet a selected number of the 400 guests before dinner.
Among them were Sir Bob Geldof, who wore the insignia of the honorary KBE specially for the occasion, and Terry Wogan. The Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, and the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, were also there.
The remaining guests sipped champagne in a different room.
After the toastmaster announced dinner by banging a hammer on the door, the President, who was wearing a sky blue fitted ankle length skirt and jacket, was escorted to the medieval Great Hall by the Lord Mayor.
To a standing ovation, Mrs Robinson's arrival was marked by a fanfare from the Herald Trumpeters of the Royal Artillery Band, high above the dining hall in the Minstrels' Gallery.
At the President's request, speeches were given before dinner, which comprised Scottish smoked venison, sea bass, medallions of Welsh lamb and chocolate pyramid. Although Mrs Robinson stressed she would not speak about the peace process, the Lord Mayor spoke of the two IRA bombs which had damaged the City of London's financial institutions.
"All of us here, City workers, residents and members of the emergency services, sincerely hope and pray that it will never happen again," he said.