State visit: The itinerary

The exact details of the president's itinerary are being withheld for security reasons although he is scheduled to attend a series of functions both in London and the North East. The key events of the three-day visit are listed here.

TUESDAY

Early evening: Air Force One will touch down in London with the president's motorcade set to make its way to Buckingham Palace.

Evening: The president will meet the Prince of Wales for a private meeting ahead of the ceremonial welcome on Wednesday.


WEDNESDAY

Morning: The Queen will be joined by the prime minister and Cabinet members at a formal ceremony to welcome the first US president afforded a full state visit for over 80 years.

Mid-morning: The president and the Queen, along with Laura Bush and members of the Royal family, will exchange gifts in Buckingham Palace.

Around 11.00am: George W Bush will hold short meetings with Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.

Early afternoon: Amid unprecedented security George W Bush and his motorcade will make their way to the Banqueting House in Whitehall where he will deliver a speech on the transatlantic relationship.

Mid-afternoon: The president is set to meet with the families of those killed in the September 11 attacks on the twin towers in New York.

Evening: The Queen formally hosts a state banquet in honour of the president and the first lady. In attendance will be senior members of the government and opposition parties.


THURSDAY

Morning: Tens of thousands of "Stop Bush" protesters are expected to march through the centre of London in protest at the president's visit and the war in Iraq.

Mid-morning: The president will visit the tomb of the unknown warrior before touring Westminster Abbey. He may also visit the Palace of Westminster but will not address a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

Mid-morning: George Bush is set to meet with service personnel who fought in both the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. He is also expected to meet with the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq.

Late morning: The president joins the prime minister for talks in Downing Street before a pre-lunch press conference.

Lunchtime: Tony Blair and George W Bush lunch with senior members of their teams in Downing Street. Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson will prepare the meal. Cherie Blair and Laura Bush will dine separately before watching schoolchildren perform works of Shakespeare.

Early afternoon: The prime minister and the president convene a round table discussion with charities and NGOs on the Aids epidemic in Africa.

Late afternoon: The president is expected to return to Buckingham Palace where he will prepare to attend a reciprocal dinner hosted by the US.

Evening: The Queen and Prince Philip are the guests of the first family at a reciprocal banquet.


FRIDAY

Morning: The Queen formally says goodbye to her guest from the US at a ceremony in London.

Mid-morning: The presidential motorcade and Air Force One arrive in the North East.

Late morning: George W Bush and Tony Blair visit the prime minister's Sedgefield constituency.

Lunchtime: Constituents from Sedgefield meet the prime minister and the president for lunch.

Early afternoon: The president and Mrs Bush return to Washington.