The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to receiving state visits by His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Germany next month, and his Excellency the President of the People's Republic of China next year.

BBC: The Queen's speech in full

"Ladies and gentlemen, an eventful day has ended and Christian Wulff is the president of the Federal Republic of Germany, " she said.

BBC: Merkel candidate Wulff wins presidency on third attempt

In November the president of Germany's federal police complained that the encryption technology used by Skype makes it impossible for his officers to listen in on conversations.

ECONOMIST: Internet wiretapping

Then, too, anti-Israel activist Felicia Langer just received Germany's Federal Cross of Honor, and Israel-hater and former Irish president Mary Robinson was just awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The rigged game