The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla on Tuesday.
This state visit is the first for King Charles as monarch as he welcomes the president of South Africa to the UK. The special two-day occasion sees Prince William and Princess Kate step up to play a major part in the important diplomatic event.
WATCH: Prince William and Kate welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
The royal couple greeted the president at his London hotel on behalf of the King, travelled with him to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome with King Charles, and joined the carriage procession back to the Palace.
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The South African First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, did not accompany the president on the trip. She is said to be recovering from eye surgery and was advised by doctors not to travel.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal couple have greeted President Cyril Ramaphosa
For the appearance, Princess Kate looked immaculate for the poignant occasion, braving the chilly autumn weather in an elegant tailored coat.
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The royal's silhouette-skimming coat was crafted from rich burgundy wool, which she paired perfectly with sleek pointed-toe heels and the Princess of Wales' feather brooch - a royal heirloom gifted to the late Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles in 1981.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate with President Cyril Ramaphosa
The 40-year-old royal's enviable brunette tresses were styled in loose curls that framed her pretty features, cascading past her shoulders under a chic pillbox hat adorned with an oversized bow.
Following the greeting, Prince William and Kate tweeted: "A pleasure to welcome President @CyrilRamaphosa to the UK."
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© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Kate looked immaculate for the poignant occasion
National figures had gathered in the royal pavilion for the pomp and pageantry of the ceremonial welcome with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined by senior members of the Cabinet, as well as the Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the Defence Chiefs of Staff.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Princess of Wales seen stepping out of her car
More than 1,000 soldiers and over 230 horses took part in the ceremonial event and waiting on the parade ground were two immaculate lines of Foot Guards from Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPresident Cyril Ramaphosa greeted by King Charles and the Queen Consort
Nearby in their gleaming breast plates and plumed helmets were the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – Life Guards and Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Robert Perera of the Blues and Royals.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Charles shook hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Headquarters Household Division, who delivered the military ceremonial spectacle, 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."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe party inspect a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome
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."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Charles and President Cyril Ramaphosa attend the Horse Guards Parade
The visit was marked by the Prime Minister announcing the UK and South Africa will join forces to "turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together".
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe King later hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace
On his return from Horse Guards, the King, 74, hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace and then invited him to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe King hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace
At Buckingham Palace, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in the second carriage – the Australian State Coach – with Dr Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of International Relations.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Princess of Wales arrived in the second carriage
William headed to the Grand Entrance first, followed by Kate, who walked behind, before the pair stopped to wait for Dr Pandor, with Kate smiling at their guest before accompanying her through the main door of the royal residence.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCamilla, Charles and Cyril arrive at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace
In the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery after lunch, the King and Queen Consort showed the South African president around an exhibition of Royal Collection artefacts.
Cyril Ramaphosa picked up a photograph of the late Queen side by side with Mr Mandela at the state banquet in the Palace in 1996, saying: "This lovely picture." The King remarked, "You were lucky to have known both," with the president agreeing.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe King and Queen Consort showed the South African president around the exhibition
The president later said the words, "Welcome Back," out loud with a smile as he looked at the late Queen's message to Nelson Mandela upon South Africa re-joining the Commonwealth in 1994.
The congratulatory phrase featured in the message from the late Queen. Charles also showed the president a letter written by the Queen to President Mandela in 1995, adding: "Here's a copy of the letter." Mr Ramaphosa remarked: "Oh yes, yes 1995."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMr Ramaphosa was shown a letter by the Queen to Nelson Mandela
Ahead of the visit, the official Twitter account for the royal family tweeted: "Looking forward to welcoming @PresidencyZA today!
"The Royal Family will celebrate their enduring relationship with South Africa over the next two days, as His Majesty The King hosts The President on behalf of the Nation."
© Photo: RexSouth African flags and Union Jacks decorate The Mall ahead of the state visit
Prince William and Princess Kate are later expected to attend the white tie banquet on Tuesday evening, with Kate and the Queen Consort wearing tiaras. Both the King and the president will make speeches.
The visit follows the traditional format adopted during the reign of the late Queen.
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