Ceasefire on the Falklands is agreed, and Prince William is born in London
This week in 1982, a ceasefire between British and Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands was agreed. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made the statement to a packed House of Commons, where the news was cheered by MPs from all parties.
“Large numbers of Argentine soldiers threw down their weapons - there are reported to be flying white flags over Port Stanley,” Mrs Thatcher said.
When she returned from Westminster, the Prime Minister was welcomed outside Downing Street by a jubilant crowd cheering and singing
The war cost the lives of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen.
Nevertheless, the victory boosted the popularity of Mrs Thatcher’s government, who went on to win the next election.
Also this week in 1982, it was announced that Diana, Princess of Wales, had given birth to a boy 16 hours after checking in to St Mary’s Hospital, in London.
The boy, who they named William, was second in line to the British throne after his father, the Prince of Wales.
Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace, where the birth was formally announced.
The Queen continued with her schedule, inspecting the RAF regiment on their 40th anniversary at Wittering in Cambridgeshire – but a Palace official said she had looked “absolutely delighted” on hearing the news.
In other news, the body of a leading Italian banker was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London.
Roberto Calvi, who was known as God’s banker for his links with the Vatican, was the chairman of Banco Ambrosiano in Milan and a leading figure in a complex web of international fraud and intrigue.
He had been missing for nine days before his body was found by a passer-by hanging from scaffolding on a riverside walk under the bridge.
It was later revealed that Calvi was found with five bricks in his pockets.