tower of london

The creators of the spectacular sea of poppies that engulfed the Tower of London to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War will be honoured today.

Sculptor Paul Cummins, 37, and theatre designer Tom Piper, 50, will receive MBEs from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in recognition of the immensely popular 'Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red'.

The artists previously met William, along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in August when the royals toured the powerful display of 888,246 ceramic poppies that progressively filled the moat at the Tower - one for each British or Colonial military death during the First World War.

Mr Cummins, from Chesterfield, receives his MBE for services to art and First World War commemorations. Mr Piper, from London, receives his for services to theatre and First World War commemorations.

The Tower of London has been lit up green this evening as a tribute to the state visit of Ireland's President, Michael Higgins.

President Higgins has today met the Queen, addressed Parliament and spoken at a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

Read: Irish President meets Queen ins historic state visit

The Sun reports that on bonfire night a man managed to break in to the Tower of London and steal a set of keys.

The paper says that despite a man being spotted guards were unable to move from their posts and had to radio for help. No-one was caught.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that there has been an allegation of theft from the Tower and that they have launched an investigation.