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On Monday, 21 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the UK to attend King Charles III’s first state visit since his accession to the throne.

The president’s visit was planned before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, as Britain is seeking to strengthen its relations with Africa, one of its largest trading partners.

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On Tuesday, 22 November, the Prince and Princess of Wales officially welcomed President Ramaphosa and his wife, Tshepo Motsepe.

The South African president was met by both Their Majesties, the King and Queen Consort, who were out on the Horse Guards Parade to welcome their guest at the beginning of his two-day official visit to the UK.

While King Charles has played a role in many official visits by foreign heads of state, this is the first time that he has hosted the occasion in his own reign.

The president received a ceremonial welcome from the king and his wife, Camilla, the queen consort, which was followed by a carriage procession down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, the location of a lavish banquet held in the president’s honour.

The visit also includes a stop at Westminster Abbey to pay respects to former South African President Nelson Mandela and to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

In addition, the president met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and delivered an address to the Joint Sitting of the British Parliament.

The last state visit to the UK by a South African leader was by former president Jacob Zuma in 2010.

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Picture: The Royal Family / Facebook

 

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