+ AND FINALLY: Elizabeth II International Airport

After seeking approval from King Charles, Le Touquet airport, south of Calais, says this move is a recognition of its status as “the most British of French resorts”.  

When she was a little girl in the early 1930s, the then Princess Elizabeth visited the English Channel resort with her family, according to the local council.

In a statement, they said: “To pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and in memory of her visit to Le Touquet with her uncle Edward VIII, during which she practised both horse riding and sand yachting, the town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage wishes to name its airport after her.

“For 70 years she served her country with commitment, respect and constancy at the same time as she was always attentive to good relations between our two nations, she who spoke French and appreciated our country.”

The airport is popular with private fliers from the UK – many of whom arrive to play golf or go for lunch at one of the upmarket restaurants in the town.

No date has been set for the formal opening and who will be the dignitary involved.

The French have a special affinity with the Queen, her passing much recognised in the Republic.   

www.aeroport-letouquet.com/?lang=en

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David Starkie, United Kingdom

Very gratifying in memory of a great Queen. Well done Le Touquet. Incidentally, the Queen's husband flew into the airport in, I think, 1956.