Her majesty The Queen Elizabeth II is the world’s longest currently reigning monarch and head of state. Over 60 on the throne, Queen Elizabeth has witnessed many great changes in international relations.

Queen Elizabeth at the Hietaniemi cemetery in Helsinki

Queen Elizabeth has made two official visits to Finland. In May 1976 her State visit was hosted by the Finnish President Urho Kekkonen (1900-1986). Kekkonen served as President of the Republic of Finland for over 25 years and he is one of the most significant political figures in the history of Finland’s independence. The second visit was hosted by President Martti Ahtisaari in 1994.

Finnish fire brigade

The Queen’s first visit to Finland is remembered by her stroll in a Finnish forest holding a security helmet in her hands. However, Queen Elizabeth was taken to see other attractions as well and she dined both in the Presidential Palace and in the summer residence of the President of Finland.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with the crew of Viima ship

The pictures are from The Urho Kekkonen Archives’ collection. The collection includes material donated by the President Kekkonen himself as well as his friends and family. The President established the foundation in 1970 to maintain the archives of his own personal documents.