Charles greets world leaders at 'reception of the century' in Buckingham Palace on eve of funeral

18 September 2022, 19:27 | Updated: 18 September 2022, 22:56

World leaders begin arriving at the 'reception of the century' at Buckingham Palace
World leaders begin arriving at the 'reception of the century' at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Alamy

By Stephen Rigley

King Charles III has begun greeting world leaders and royals from across the globe as the 'reception of the century' gets underway at Buckingham Palace.

The new monarch and Queen Consort Camilla have had their first guest arrive which have so far included US President Joe Biden, who arrived in a private car, and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins who was dropped off from a coach with the former King and Queen Consort of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofia.

Other leaders set to arrive include French President Emmanuel Macron, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Canadian premier Justin Trudeau.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill arrive at Buckingham Palace
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill arrive at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Alamy
French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Macron attend the reception
French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Macron attend the reception. Picture: Alamy

This is along with senior members of the British royal family, ambassadors from almost all nations, and foreign royals including Japan's Emperor Naruhito and the Kings and Queens from Holland, Norway and Spain.

Many dignitaries including President Biden, President Macron and Ukraine's First Lady Olga Zelenska viewed the Queen's coffin in the ancient heart of Parliament after being given a VIP timeslot.

Liz Truss arriving at Buckingham Palace
Liz Truss arriving at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Alamy
Israel's President Isaac Herzog arriving at Buckingham Palace
Israel's President Isaac Herzog arriving at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Alamy
Ursula von der Leyen and husband Herzog
Ursula von der Leyen and husband Herzog. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Kate meets Ukraine's first lady after President Zelensky's wife Olena pays tribute to the Queen

Read More: Biden's special relationship: President compares Queen to his mum in touching tribute after coffin visit

PM Liz Truss and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly were also spotted this evening heading towards tonight’s glittering state reception which will take place in the picture gallery and state apartments and include drinks and canapes.

Guests were asked to wear lounge suits and morning dress rather than ball gowns and white tie as would be expected at a usual state event at the King's London home.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Jack Bradley took part in the failed ram raid

Moment drug addict in 4x4 rams Tesco superstore in failed bid to steal safe, with terrified staff still inside shop

ZM712, a Boeing Apache AH2 operated by the UK's Army Air Corps, departing from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England after participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 (RIAT24).

Drunken soldiers' caught during Apache cockpit romp spark military safety review

Eva Longoria, a Texas native, has said she is 'done' with the US after Trump's second election win

Eva Longoria reveals she has fled 'dystopian' America as Trump names radical right wing cabinet

Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told.

Dog-free zones needed in countryside to tackle racism, Welsh government told

A 'major' suspected people smugger has been arrested in Amsterdam

'Major' Turkish supplier of small boats for Channel migrant crossings arrested as 'British FBI' swoop in airport

Clifton Suspension Bridge has quit Elon Musk's X after 15 years on the site.

Clifton suspension bridge dramatically departs from Twitter sparking wave of online jokes

Exclusive
Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year.

Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year

Two Just Stop Oil protesters charged over June's incident

Two Just Stop Oil activists charged after orange paint thrown over Stonehenge

Man arrested after reports of person carrying knives outside Houses of Parliament

Man charged with carrying offensive weapons after 'knife' incident near Parliament

Exclusive
Michael Harris died in an e-scooter crash

'My best friend was killed in an e-scooter crash - I'm urging the government not to legalise them for use on roads'

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge