King Charles welcomes South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa for first state visit of his reign

22 November 2022, 14:09 | Updated: 22 November 2022, 15:21

1
King Charles has held his first state visit, welcoming South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa as he started a two-day trip to the UK. Picture: Getty / LBC

By Chris Samuel

King Charles has held his first state visit, welcoming South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa with the Queen Consort on a as he started a two-day trip to the UK.

National figures in the royal pavilion for a ceremonial welcome with PM Rishi Sunak, senior Cabinet members, the Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the Defence Chiefs of Staff in attendance.

As well as Charles, The President also met the Prince and Princess of Wales, who travelled to Mr Ramaphosa’s hotel in central London and accompanied him to the start of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade.

Over 1,000 soldiers and more than 230 horses took part in event and two lines of Foot Guards from Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards were waiting at the ceremonial site and nearby were the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – Life Guards and Blues and Royals.

Read more: Christmas rail chaos alert: Key routes cancelled for repairs - as union plans further strikes over pay

Read more: Manston Asylum Centre is now completely empty after migrants placed in new accommodation

The man who delivered the spectacle, Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Headquarters Household Division said: “The state visit is a historic first: our first state visit for His Majesty the King and the President of South Africa, the first state visit in London since 2019, the first processional state visit on Horse Guards since 2018, and the first for almost everyone on parade.”

President Ramaphosa stands alongside King Charles, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
President Ramaphosa stands alongside King Charles, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Picture: Getty

He added: “A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for the visit and we are very proud to support such an important national occasion.”

The visit coincides with the launch of the next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership today
The visit coincides with the launch of the next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership today. Picture: Getty

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched today, which is supporting South Africa's economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years, Downing Street says.

Kate Middleton arrives for the ceremonial welcome.
Kate Middleton arrives for the ceremonial welcome. Picture: Getty

Mr Sunak said: “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

“I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

King Charles attending the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of "Gladiator II"

King Charles walks red carpet alone as he appears without Queen Camilla at Gladiator II premiere

Focused businessman working at laptop in highrise office, London, UK

Civil servants call for four-day week, saying move is 'critical to attaining a good quality of life'

ed

Fireworks linked to death of baby red panda who died from 'stress' on Bonfire Night

Guests Appear On The Laura Keunssberg Show

Chancellor to merge council pension pots into 'megafunds' to unlock investment cash

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump and Biden 'both really enjoyed seeing each other', claims President-elect after historic meeting at White House

Louise Thompson

Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson breaks silence following emergency surgery after septic shock

President Trump Speaks at America First Agenda Summit

Who has Trump picked to be in his cabinet so far and who is in the running?

The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards 2021 - Red Carpet Arrivals

Rod Stewart say he 'may have to find new owners' for his five sports cars due to potholes near his home

Council tax bills will soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Council tax bills to soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91

Quincy Jones cause of death revealed following music titan's death aged 91

Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham

Moment locals explode in fury as they are told migrants will get 'free private healthcare' at public meeting

Police tape surrounds a ride at the Funderpark in Yiewsley, London

Mum-of-eight hurled from fairground ride and sent into coma agrees to £1.43m settlement after High Court battle with owner

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

Donald Trump's grip on power tightens as Republican Party wins majority of seats in House of Representatives

Two women - who were part of a global monkey torture network - have been jailed

Two women jailed after being part of 'sickening and sadistic' monkey torture network

Wes Streeting

Health Secretary Wes Streeting orders staff to look into costs of introducing assisted dying

'Del Boy billionaire’ saves DIY chain Homebase from collapse rescuing 70 UK stores

'Del Boy billionaire’ saves DIY chain Homebase from collapse rescuing 70 UK stores