01of 29JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesTuesday marked a milestone forKing Charles III, who welcomed the President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to the U.K. for the first state visit of his reign.Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamhad the royalresponsibilityof being the first family members to greet President Ramaphosa, meeting the leader at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

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JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales, (L) and his wife Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, pose with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) at the Corinthia Hotel

Tuesday marked a milestone forKing Charles III, who welcomed the President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to the U.K. for the first state visit of his reign.Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamhad the royalresponsibilityof being the first family members to greet President Ramaphosa, meeting the leader at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

02of 29JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe state occasion was special forPrince Williamand Kate as well, as it marks their first since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales.

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Prince William, Prince of Wales, (C) and his wife Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, greet South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) at the Corinthia Hotel in London

The state occasion was special forPrince Williamand Kate as well, as it marks their first since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales.

03of 29Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AP POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate choose an autumnal shade of plum, perfectly matching her accessories (including a chic pillbox hat!) with her coatdress.

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Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AP POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives to attend the Ceremonial Welcome for South Africa’s President, on Horse Guards Parade in London

Kate choose an autumnal shade of plum, perfectly matching her accessories (including a chic pillbox hat!) with her coatdress.

04of 29YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesPrince Williamand Kate greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla with a curtsy and bow.

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YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) stands with Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort, as Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive ahead of a Guard of Honour, during the Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade in London on November 22, 2022, at the start of the President’s two-day state visit. - King Charles III is hosting his first state visit as monarch, welcoming South Africa’s President to Buckingham Palace

Prince Williamand Kate greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla with a curtsy and bow.

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Leon Neal/AP/Shutterstock

King Charles III and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa attend the Horse Guards Parade during his welcome ceremony at Horse Guards

06of 29Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty ImagesPresident Ramaphosa and the royals convened at Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade. Presentations were made, and the national anthem of South Africa was played.Ramaphosa will spend the next fews days in the U.K. conducting engagements that highlight the history the two countries share.

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Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa with King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort and Prince William, Prince of Wales with Catherine, Princess of Wales during the Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade where The President, accompanied by The King, inspected the Guard of Honour after the South African National Anthem was played on November 22, 2022 in London, England

President Ramaphosa and the royals convened at Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade. Presentations were made, and the national anthem of South Africa was played.

Ramaphosa will spend the next fews days in the U.K. conducting engagements that highlight the history the two countries share.

07of 29EON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesAnd the festivities begin! President Ramaphosa joined King Charles andQueen Camillain the Irish State Coach, riding in a dazzling horse-drawn carriage procession through London to Buckingham Palace.

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EON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The President Of The Republic Of South Africa Visits The United Kingdom

And the festivities begin! President Ramaphosa joined King Charles andQueen Camillain the Irish State Coach, riding in a dazzling horse-drawn carriage procession through London to Buckingham Palace.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla with the President of South Africa.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa rides with Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort in the Irish State Coach, as they leave from Horse Guards Parade, headed to Buckingham Palace

The epic equestrian procession was straight from the pages of a storybook. Though President Ramaphosa’s trip marks the first state visit of King Charles' reign, much of the organization is believed to have taken place before the lateQueen Elizabethdied in September.

09of 29PETER NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIn a show of patriotism and collaboration, South African and Union Jack flags lined the Mall as the horses trotted along.

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PETER NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The President Of The Republic Of South Africa Visits The United Kingdom

In a show of patriotism and collaboration, South African and Union Jack flags lined the Mall as the horses trotted along.

10of 29President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa joins King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, at Buckingham Palace.Kin Cheung/AP/ShutterstockQueen Camillawas bright in a cerulean blue ensemble for the royal welcome.

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President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa joins King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, at Buckingham Palace.Kin Cheung/AP/Shutterstock

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, right, poses with Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, at the Buckingham Palace in London

Queen Camillawas bright in a cerulean blue ensemble for the royal welcome.

11of 29LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Princess Kate andPrince Williamrode to the palace in the Australian State Coach with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

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LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The President Of The Republic Of South Africa Visits The United Kingdom

Meanwhile, Princess Kate andPrince Williamrode to the palace in the Australian State Coach with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

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Anwar Hussein/WireImage; Samir Hussein/WireImage

Princess Diana, Kate Middleton

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Queen Camilla and King Charles.Dan Kitwood - WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort show South African President Cyril Ramaphosa items, including a photograph of President Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II, displayed as part of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

After the grand entry into Buckingham Palace and a private lunch, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the president around the Picture Gallery toview itemsfrom the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” the future monarch famously said.

14of 29Kate Middleton and Prince William.Dan Kitwood - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPrincess Kate andPrince Williamwere present for the event, walking around the Picture Gallery with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.Other members of the royal family who were present at the palace included Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

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Kate Middleton and Prince William.Dan Kitwood - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales escort Dr. Naledin Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation during a visit to view items, including a a chess set, which was a gift from President Mandela to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1996, displayed as part of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

Princess Kate andPrince Williamwere present for the event, walking around the Picture Gallery with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

Other members of the royal family who were present at the palace included Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

15of 29Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Chris Jackson/GettyTuesday evening brought the highlight of the week: the state banquet at Buckingham Palace — the British royal family’s first since 2019!

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Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Chris Jackson/Getty

Catherine, Princess of Wales during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010

Tuesday evening brought the highlight of the week: the state banquet at Buckingham Palace — the British royal family’s first since 2019!

16of 29Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Chris Jackson/GettyFor hertiara debutas the Princess of Wales, she wore her favorite headpiece: the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010

For hertiara debutas the Princess of Wales, she wore her favorite headpiece: the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara.

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Queen Camilla.Chris Jackson/Getty

Camilla, Queen Consort during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010

18of 29Chris Jackson/GettyPrince Edward attended with wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who sported the Aquamarine Necklace Tiara for the state banquet.

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Chris Jackson/Getty

Sophie Countess of Wessex

Prince Edward attended with wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who sported the Aquamarine Necklace Tiara for the state banquet.

19of 29King Charles and Queen Camilla.Chris Jackson/GettyKing Charles gave a speech at the banquet, saying: “My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening.“South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life. My mother often recalled her visit in 1947, the year before I was born, when, from Cape Town on her 21st birthday, she pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth.”

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King Charles and Queen Camilla.Chris Jackson/Getty

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010

King Charles gave a speech at the banquet, saying: “My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening.

“South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life. My mother often recalled her visit in 1947, the year before I was born, when, from Cape Town on her 21st birthday, she pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth.”

20of 29Aaron Chown - Pool/GettyThe King added, “It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first state visit we have hosted.”

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Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa (L) and King Charles III share a toast during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace during the State Visit to the UK by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010.

The King added, “It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first state visit we have hosted.”

21of 29AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via GettyKing Charles alsoshared the nicknamethat Nelson Mandela used forQueen Elizabeth: Motlalepula, meaning “to come with rain.“He said, “I have been reassured that this was a mark of the particular affection President Mandela felt for the Queen… rather than a remark on the British habit of taking our weather with us!”

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AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales (L), South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (2L), and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort (R) listen as Britain’s King Charles III speaks during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on November 22, 2022, at the start of the President’s of South Africa’s two-day state visit. - King Charles III hosted his first state visit as monarch on Tuesday, welcoming South Africa’s President to Buckingham Palace.

King Charles alsoshared the nicknamethat Nelson Mandela used forQueen Elizabeth: Motlalepula, meaning “to come with rain.”

He said, “I have been reassured that this was a mark of the particular affection President Mandela felt for the Queen… rather than a remark on the British habit of taking our weather with us!”

22of 29Kate Middleton.Aaron Chown - Pool /GettyPresident Ramaphosa sat between King Charles and the Princess of Wales for the dinner.

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Kate Middleton.Aaron Chown - Pool /Getty

Catherine, Princess of Wales and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa share a toast during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace during the State Visit to the UK by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010.

President Ramaphosa sat between King Charles and the Princess of Wales for the dinner.

23of 29Kate Middleton.Victoria Jones - Pool / GettyThe menu for the banquet’s dinner in the palace ballroom included grilled brill with wild mushrooms and truffles in sorrel sauce and ballotine of Windsor pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce. For dessert, guests had iced vanilla parfait with caramelized apples.

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Kate Middleton.Victoria Jones - Pool / Getty

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales walks with invited guests to attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010.

The menu for the banquet’s dinner in the palace ballroom included grilled brill with wild mushrooms and truffles in sorrel sauce and ballotine of Windsor pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce. For dessert, guests had iced vanilla parfait with caramelized apples.

24of 29Aaron Chown - Pool /GettyThe table was decorated with over 100 ivory-colored candles, along with displays of seasonal fruit and 23 flower arrangements in silver-gilt centerpieces.Seasonal flowersfrom Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle’s gardens were used for the floral arrangements.

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Aaron Chown - Pool /Getty

Guests during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace during the State Visit to the UK by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010.

The table was decorated with over 100 ivory-colored candles, along with displays of seasonal fruit and 23 flower arrangements in silver-gilt centerpieces.Seasonal flowersfrom Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle’s gardens were used for the floral arrangements.

25of 29Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe next day,Prince Edward accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosaduring a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

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Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa laugh during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The next day,Prince Edward accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosaduring a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

26of 29South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesThey highlighted the scientific and conservation partnerships that the two countries share, notably the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership through the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa laugh during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

They highlighted the scientific and conservation partnerships that the two countries share, notably the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership through the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

27of 29Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesPrince Edward and President Ramaphosa viewed the plants in the world-renowned gardens, including the King Protea, the national flower of South Africa.

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Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa laugh during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Prince Edward and President Ramaphosa viewed the plants in the world-renowned gardens, including the King Protea, the national flower of South Africa.

28of 29SplashNews.comThe men then visited the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research hub specializing in studying the biology of health and disease. The institute, which involves academia, medicine and industry, works with University of KwaZulu- Natal, a public university in South Africa.

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SplashNews.com

President Cyril Ramaphosa And The Earl Of Wessex Visit The Francis Crick Institute In London

The men then visited the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research hub specializing in studying the biology of health and disease. The institute, which involves academia, medicine and industry, works with University of KwaZulu- Natal, a public university in South Africa.

29of 29Prince Edward.SplashNews.comAt the science center, Prince Edward and the president got to see technology used across Africa to make diagnoses, including COVID-19, before spending time with South African students and scientists.

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Prince Edward.SplashNews.com

President Cyril Ramaphosa And The Earl Of Wessex Visit The Francis Crick Institute In London

At the science center, Prince Edward and the president got to see technology used across Africa to make diagnoses, including COVID-19, before spending time with South African students and scientists.

source: people.com