Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania for the start of their 5 day trip to the Baltic States this evening. Even though the Queen and Prince Phillip are both in their 80's, their trip will be packed with events from morning to night. On Tuesday, her first full day in Lithuania, Queen Elizabeth will partake in a welcoming ceremony during which she and the Lithuanian President will exchange gifts. Later that day the Royal Party will commemorate fighers for Lithuanian freedom at Antakalnio Cemetery.
On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh will view a photo exhibition at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the Queen will make a speech. She will also visit the Town Hall Square, where she and Prince Phillip will meet citizens and guests of Vilnius.
On the afternoon of their second day, Queen Elizabeth is to visit Vilnius University and open the Lithuanian Student and Young Scientist Forum, "Science Cafe". That afternoon, Prince Phillip will visit the Vilnius University Botanical Garden, where he will attend an event dedicated to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
That evening, the Queen and Prince Phillip will attend a State Banquet in their honor. They are due to depart for Latvia the next morning, and will spend a day and a half there before traveling to Estonia for a day an a half, after which they will return to Britain. This will be the Queen's first visit to the Baltic States, although she has met President Adamkus, President Vike-Freiberga and President Ruutel earlier this year while they were visiting the United Kingdom.