With her usual grace and warmth, the Queen welcomed president of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto and his wife Angelica Rivera at the start of their state tour. Her Majesty greeted the couple with a traditional ceremonial welcome in London – which included a magnificent carriage ride down The Mall.
Meeting first at the Horse Guards Parade on a sunny Tuesday morning, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip waited for their guests to arrive.
They were joined by the likes of prime minister David Cameron and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg who had lined the parade.
As President Peña Nieto and his wife Angelica made their entrance, the Queen and Prince Philip beamed and shook hands before getting into their respective carriages.
Her Majesty, who looked resplendent in an embroidered cream coat and matching hat, escorted the president in one carriage, while the Duke of Edinburgh was accompanied by Angelica in another.
The group made the short trip down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they enjoyed a private lunch given by The Queen. After their meal they viewed an exhibition of Mexican-related items from the Royal Collection.
Earlier that morning President Peña Nieto and his wife had been greeted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall before meeting the Queen. The couple were reunited with Prince Charles in his home of Clarence House, a few hundred metres from Buckingham Palace, in the afternoon.
Other engagements of the day included a visit to Westminster Abbey, where the president lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The evening will see President Peña Nieto and Angelica return to Buckingham Palace for a state banquet, hosted by the Queen. Both Her Majesty and the politician will give speeches at the start of the illustrious affair.
The state tour will come to an end on Thursday, and will include meetings with Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg, as well as leader of the opposition Ed Miliband.
The president and his wife will bid an official farewell to the Queen and Prince Philip on Thursday morning, again at Buckingham Palace, before heading off to Aberdeen to finish their tour.