Tuesday marked the beginning of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first state visit to the United Kingdom during the reign of King Charles III. During the visit, people are likely to talk about things like climate change, trade, and the Commonwealth.
A formal welcome was held for President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Tshepo Motsepe at Horse Guards Parade in downtown London. In addition to Prince Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, the heir apparent, Prince William, and his wife Catherine were present to extend their warmest greetings.
The guard of honour was inspected by both the monarch and Ramaphosa at the same time.
The parties then travelled to Buckingham Palace in a carriage parade that was accompanied by mounted men from the Household Cavalry. The route to Buckingham Palace was lined with flags of both the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The state visit, which will take place over the course of two days, will be King Charles III’s first official engagement since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in September.