French couple find hoard of gold coins in cellar

8 July 2011 Last updated at 15:01 GMT The coins could fetch 100,000 euros at auction, a coin expert who examined them said A French couple have found a hoard of gold coins worth at least 100,000 euros (?89,000; $140,000) in the cellar of their home in the town of Millau.

They were working on their drains when they dug up the 34 coins in a little clay pot, French media said.

The coins date from 1595 to the French Revolution, which began in 1789, said a local coin expert who evaluated them.

The most valuable is a double louis from 1640, during the reign of Louis XIII, worth 6,500 euros.

The coin expert, Marc Aigouy, told AFP news agency that he offered either to buy the coins from the couple or to organise an auction on their behalf.

He said if American and Japanese buyers participated, the coins could fetch at least 100,000 euros.

Mr Aigouy said the couple wish to remain anonymous but they live on rue Droite, an old Roman road which is the oldest street in Millau, in southern France.

Under French law, the couple are allowed to keep the treasure because it was found on their own property, Mr Aigouy said.

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Royal couple sail to Quebec City

3 July 2011 Last updated at 08:30 GMT The royals were heckled by a small group of protesters when they went to a children's hospital in Montreal

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on board a Canadian naval ship, travelling from Montreal to Quebec City, on the latest leg of their first overseas tour as a married couple.

Overnight they sailed up the St Lawrence river to the city, where they are due to visit a youth project and attend a military ceremony.

In Montreal about 60 protesters heckled the couple outside a hospital.

There was also a much larger number of well-wishers.

Canadian barbecue

The Duke and Duchess' agenda for Sunday also involves morning prayers with the crew of the Canadian frigate on which they are travelling, HMCS Montreal, on the ship's helicopter deck.

The military ceremony in Quebec City will honour the Royal 22nd Regiment of Canada, as well as a Freedom of the City Ceremony, at Quebec City Hall.

The couple will also attend a community event, including barbecues and stalls, before a short flight to Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island is the most easterly point of the tour, and is known as the home of Anne of Green Gables - a fictional character said to be a favourite of the duchess.

Continue reading the main story 30 June: Arrival in Ottawa1 July: Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa2 July: Visit to a Montreal cookery school 3 July: Freedom of the city ceremony in Quebec City4 July: William takes part in Sea King helicopter training session on Prince Edward Island5 July: Visit to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories7 July: Arrival in Calgary8 July: Attend Calgary Stampede. Leave for USThe official welcome to Prince Edward Island is on Monday, and the Canadian government expects their visit may be a focal point for many well-wishers from across the Maritimes provinces, Clarence House said earlier.

On Monday, still on Prince Edward Island, Prince William will take part in a Sea King helicopter training session.

A dragon boat race is scheduled for later, with the husband and wife steering opposing teams.

Their first overseas tour has involved a tree-planting ceremony in the grounds of Government House, in Ottawa; a Montreal children's hospital visit; and a citizenship ceremony for 25 new Canadians who had come from 12 different countries.

They were also guests of honour for celebrations for Canada Day, when about 100,000 people joined events on Parliament Hill as part of a national holiday to mark the country's 144th birthday.

The protesters outside the hospital the couple visited in Montreal shouted "down with the monarchy" and "We will never bend, Willy go home!"

They also chanted "French Quebec!" and "Parasite go home!"

The couple are visiting seven Canadian cities in eight days in their first official overseas tour.

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