King Charles to welcome South African President in first state visit under new reign
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King Charles III will welcome
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to London next week as he prepares for his first state visit as Britain's reigning monarch."
"Mr Rampahosa will be received by the king and Queen Consort Camilla at a glittering banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. The trip will be the first state visit to be held in the UK for more than three years due to the Covid pandemic. It is also the fourth state visit by a South African leader since the country's transition to democracy in 1994."
"The event will once again cast the spotlight on King Charles following his ascension to the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince William, in his new role of Prince of Wales, alongside his wife Kate, will also play a major part the visit."
What Will Happen During the Visit
"The Prince and Princess of Wales will greet the President at his London hotel on behalf of King Charles on Tuesday morning, travel with him to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome with the monarch, and join the carriage procession back to the palace."
"The prince and princess are expected to attend the white-tie banquet on Tuesday evening, with the Princess of Wales and Queen Consort Camilla in tiaras. Both the king and the South African President will make speeches."
"On his return from Horse Guards, the king will host the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace and then invite him to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa."
"Mr Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, as is tradition, and also visit the Palace of Westminster, giving an address in the Royal Gallery to politicians, before the evening state banquet."
"On Wednesday, the Earl of Wessex will escort the South African leader to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
Mr Ramaphosa will then visit Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, before returning to the palace to bid farewell to the king."
"He will receive a call from the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, and on Wednesday evening attend a Guildhall banquet with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester."