THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR WERE OFFICIAL GUESTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A CEREMONY AT MARLBOROUGH HOUSE WHEN QUEEN ELIZABETH UNVEILED A PLAQUE IN MEMORY OF THE DUKE'S MOTHER AND HER GRANDMOTHER, QUEEN MARY.

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE DUKE AND DUCHESS HAD APPEARED TOGETHER AT A ROYAL CEREMONY FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, AND WAS THE FIRST TIME IN THAT PERIOD THAT THE ROYAL FAMILY HAS GIVEN THE DUCHESS FORMAL RECOGNITION.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR SAT AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY IN THE FRONT ROW AT THE CEREMONY.

THE PLAQUE, FIVE FEET (1.5 METRES) HIGH, IS SET IN THE WALL OF MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, QUEEN MARY'S LONDON HOME FOR MANY YEARS.

WHEN THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR DROVE FROM THE CEREMONY THEY WERE LOUDLY CHEERED BY ABOUT ONE THOUSAND SPECTATORS. THEY LATER FLEW TO PARIS IN AN AIRCRAFT OF THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT.