Another first. King Charles III hosted his first state visit as monarch on Tuesday, November 22, in London.President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa received the warm welcome. Princess Kate and Prince William were the first to greet President Ramaphosa, their guest at the Corinthia Hotel before they escorted him to a formal meeting with the king and Queen Consort Camilla.The state visit was the first time Charles, 74, hosted a state visit as king, a role he took over upon his mother Queen Elizabeth II‘s death on September 8 at age 96.
His ascension happened immediately but the coronation will take place May 6, allowing the royal family time to grieve the queen’s passing.Ramaphosa greeted Charles and Camilla, 75, in central London in a Horse Guards Parade at the Royal Pavillion.
More than 1,000 soldiers and 230 horses participated in the traditional opening of the state visit.The Sovereign and his wife rode to Buckingham Palace in the Irish State Coach, a horse-drawn carriage, with Ramaphosa.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 40, followed in the Australian State Coach with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.
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