Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
King to host South African leader as first state guest
THE King and Queen Consort are to host South Africa’s president at a banquet at Buckingham Palace for their first incoming state visit.
The Palace has released the itinerary for Cyril Ramaphosa’s two-day trip to the UK next week, revealing the Prince and Princess of Wales will step up to play a major part in the diplomatic event.
It is the first state visit to the UK since then-us president Donald Trump in 2019. Wills and Kate will greet the president at his London hotel on Tuesday morning, travel with him to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome with Charles, and join the carriage procession back to the Palace.
The prince and princess are expected to attend the white tie banquet on Tuesday evening, with Kate and Camilla in tiaras.
Mr Ramaphosa – who denies accusations of money-laundering at home – will also meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.