HMA Giles Paxman shares, directly from London, more details of the State Visit Mexico-UK. Follow him!

Wednesday 1 April

Ready for the London Summit - 17:56
"London is buzzing with motorcades as the G20 leaders and their delegations rush from meeting to meeting. We arrived on time at the House of Lords to be greeted by a fanfare of the Queen's trumpeters and a guard of honour of Her mounted cavalry.

The President delivered his speech to members of both Houses in the magnificent "Robing Room" in perfect English. He spoke about Mexico's economic development, close relations with Britain and role in the world,  as well as his proposal for an international fund to assist countries in their efforts to combat climate change. Then he stayed for a while to mingle with the appreciative audience.

The President  now moves into the G20 part of the visit, which will last until the formal departure ceremony tomorrow. Segolene and I can now relax a little. It has been a terrific visit and it has been a great privilege for us to be part of it. These opportunities arrive once in a lifetime (if you are lucky!) So many people have worked so hard to make it a success. The benefits for relations between Britain and Mexico will be felt for many years to come".

British Council's 75th anniversary - 14:46
"Just back from the Royal Society, where the President gave a major speech on climate change and the environment to another packed audience. The event was organised to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the British Council. The President spoke in English and with conviction, often departing from his prepared text to add new insights or anecdotes. Another very impressive performance.

I stayed on afterwards to chat to friends and contacts who have been working with the British Council in Mexico on issues like justice reform and education. It was also good to meet some of the Mexican ChevenIng Scholars who are studying in the UK.

We will shortly be off to Parliament for the last big set piece event of the visit. Outside Buckingham Palace attention is turning to the G20. President Obama has met Gordon Brown  and the demonstrators are out on the streets"

Tuesday 31 March

Banquet at Guildhall - 24:19
"I spoke too early about the pomp and ceremony! Tonight's dinner at the Guildhall (the ceremonial centre of the City of London) was spectacular. The Lord Mayor and the Aldermen dressed up in their robes. 700 guests in all their finery. A guard of honour, trumpeters, musicians, speeches, excellent food and wine - and some mariachis over coffee.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and again I was immensely proud that we are able to organise these huge and dignified events that run like clockwork - the result of many months of preparation and hard work. I couldn't help feeling, however, that all this tradition and ceremony sits a little uneasily with the modern, dynamic, innovative image of the City of London, financial capital of the world. But then again, perhaps a little tradition and history is not a bad thing in todays turbulent times".

Getting ready for the banquet offered by the Lord Mayor - 11:49
"The Royal Flight is definitely THE best way to travel! No checking in. Full English breakfast on the way up. Tea and scones on the way back, with silver service. When we got back, the police motorcyclists guided us smoothly through the rush hour traffic to Skinners Hall where the President gave a speech in English to a packed audience of businessmen about the advantages of investing in Mexico and answered a few questions. Now a short break while we get ready for the banquet offered by the Lord Mayor in in the Guildhall...".

Visit to Abeerdeen City - 07:15
"Contradicting all the stories about Scottish weather, the sun continued to shine as we set off to the Town House for a meeting with a big energy company focussing on renewable energy issues. Then some presentations from some other companies, several of which were already doing good business in Mexico, and lunch with local dignitaires and businessmen. On the way out I was able to have a quick chat with the spouses of some Mexicans studying at Aberdeen University".

Monday 30 March

State Banquet - 22:39 hrs.
"A British State Banquet is an impressive affair. Planned down to the last detail. Various members of the Royal family in attendance, in addition to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Duke of Gloucester...). Lots of interesting guests. Men dressed in white tie and tails, ladies in long dresses (and tiaras for many). Superb organisation. Speeches of friendship. Music by the band of the Coldstream Guards. Bagpipes instead of mariachis at the end. This sort of event is unique. I feel very privileged to have been there".

Meeting of PM Gordon Brown and President Calderón - 11:30 hrs.
"Then we went to see Gordon Brown. Inevitably much of the discussion was about the economy and the London summit, but they also discussed climate change and a couple of bilateral issues. All very relaxed and good humoured".

Visit to Westminster Abbey - 10:00 hrs.
"The visit to Westminster Abbey offered the President a little insight into British history. 26 kings and queens are buried there as well as scientists (Isaac Newton Charles Darwin...) poets, authors and a huge number of famous British people - a real temple of British history".

Ceremonial Welcome - 09:21 hrs.
"Well, here it finally is after 3 years preparation. The state welcoming was impressive. The sun shone. Soldiers, carriages, horses, music etc. Then a carriage procession on the Mall. (I managed to wave to my daughters!) Then lunch with the Queen. (We  spoke about " Queen" playing for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Now off to Westminster Abbey...)".