South African State Visit to the United Kingdom - Day 1
On Tuesday, the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa started a 2-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The President was officially welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales on behalf of King Charles at the Corinthia Hotel.
Afterward, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the President traveled to the Horse Guards Parade where they attended the official welcome ceremony with the King and the Queen Consort.
They then took part in a carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace where the King and the Queen Consort hosted a private lunch.
Afterward, the King and Queen Consort and the President viewed an exhibition in the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery of items relating to South Africa. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Earl and Countess of Wessex also attended.
In the evening, the King and Queen Consort hosted a state banquet for President Ramaphosa.
In his speech, King Charles said: “Of course, that relationship goes back centuries. While there are elements of that history which provoke profound sorrow, it is essential that we seek to understand them. As I said to Commonwealth leaders earlier this year, we must acknowledge the wrongs which have shaped our past if we are to unlock the power of our common future. Today, the links between our countries run deep, with extensive family, professional and cultural ties.”
The Princess of Wales first wore an Emilia Wickstead coat dress with her Gianvito Rossi pumps, her Mulberry clutch, and a Sean Barrett hat. She paired the outfit with the Collingwood earrings and the Prince of Wales’ Feathers Brooch (with thanks to The Court Jeweller).
The Countess of Wessex wore her Alaia dress with her Sophie Habsburg clutch and her Felt bracelet.
©The Royal Family Channel
For the state banquet, The Princess of Wales wore a Jenny Packham gown with her Gianvito Rossi pumps and her Alexander McQueen clutch. She wore Queen Mary’s Lovers Knot Tiara and she used her Bentley & Skinner brooch to secure her sash.
The Countess of Wessex wore a new Suzannah gown with her LK Bennett pumps and her Jimmy Choo clutch. She wore her Aquamarine Necklace Tiara.
