state visit south africa banquet

Princess Kate and Queen Consort Camilla dazzle guests at State Banquet – best photos

The state banquet was held as part of president cyril ramaphosa and his wife, tshepo motsepe's state visit.

King Charles will mark a special milestone on Tuesday as he holds his first State Banquet as King, hosting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife, Tshepo Motsepe.

MORE:  Prince William and Kate play major role in first state visit of King Charles' reign - best photos

The event will mark the monumentous first for many royals, with the state visit being the first for Camilla , William and Kate in their new roles as Queen Consort and Prince and Princess of Wales respectively. Royal fans will eagerly be watching, as it will mark the first tiara moment for the two royal ladies.

WATCH: Prince William and Kate welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

The Banquet itself will be a white-tie event, and the state visit has followed many of the traditions that were set out under the rule of the late Queen.

The Prince and Princess of Wales looked elegant as they arrived

Ahead of the State Banquet, which is traditionally held on the first evening of a state visit, the King and Queen Consort visited the ballroom to inspect the table that had been laid.

The King and his Queen Consort amazed

The monarch played a special role in deciding the decor for the evening, personally requesting that only sustainable flowers be used as decorations. Among the blooms on display were cyclamen, nerines, rosehips, anemones, amaryllis, chrysanthemum blooms and hydrangeas.

Sophie made an appearance

The menu is incredibly classy , with grilled brill with wild mushrooms and truffles, alongside sorrel sauce. There is also ballotine of Windsor pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce.

This was the King's first State Banquet as monarch

Alongside the meal are chantenay carrots, kale with roasted butternut squash, braised fondant potatoes and salad.

Camilla paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing her diamond and sapphire tiara

And their dessert sounds delicious as that course will consist of an iced vanilla parfait with caramelised apples.

The Princess of Wales looked so elegant in her Jenny Packham dress

With such a classy food offering, the drinks are just as exquisite with Château wines and Taylor's port among the possible beverages.

The King entertained and surprised with his speech

King Charles gave a speech to the President, and surprised him a little when he began his words by using several South African. The words he said were: "Avuxeni, Dumela, Sawubona, Molo, Molweny and Ndaa," the last word is especially meaningful as it is from the President's own language, Venda, and they all mean 'Welcome'.

His Majesty made a toast for his guest

He went on to speak about South Africa's place in the Commonwealth and how he was "honoured" for it to be his first State Visit as monarch, due to his late mother's affinity with the country.

"My mother often recalled her visit in 1947, the year before I was born, when, from Cape Town on Her twenty-first birthday, she pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth," he said.

His Majesty also revealed a touching memory, sharing: "During one of my own visits to South Africa, in 1997, President Mandela told me that he had conferred on my mother a special name – Motlalepula, meaning 'to come with rain'. 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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King Charles welcomes S.Africa's Ramaphosa for first state visit

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Inside a Buckingham Palace state banquet: everything you need to know following last night’s lavish feast

By Stephanie Bridger-Linning

The state banquet held for China's Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan in 2005

The roughly 150 guests didn’t arrive until late yesterday evening but preparations for Tuesday’s state banquet, which saw King Charles III and Queen Camilla host the President and First Lady of South Korea on the first night of their three-day state visit, had been underway for a long time. Indeed, they began months ago.

Senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, donned their white tie finery – and their tiaras – for a night celebrating the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Princess of Wales is a vision in a scarlet cape and statement hat ahead of the Buckingham Palace state banquet this evening

By Anya Ryan

While all eyes will be on the royals, in particular the Princess of Wales, who routinely dazzles at these events and is more than stepping into her new role within The Firm, the guest list will also boast dignitaries and notable figures from both the UK and South Africa, including prime minister Rishi Sunak and newly appointed foreign secretary Lord Cameron, Britain’s former prime minister.

The venue, as ever, will be the opulent Ballroom, where the traditional horseshoe shaped table will be laid with some 2,000 pieces of cutlery and hundreds of pieces of crockery; each laid with military precision and personally signed off by the King himself.

By Ben Jureidini

The last state visit to the UK was by President and Mrs Trump in 2019

The state banquet, a highlight of any state visit, is particularly significant as it is the first incoming state visit since King Charles III’s coronation. The Queen hosted some 100 heads of state during her historic reign, starting with King Gustaf VI Adolf and Queen Louise of Sweden in 1954.

The evening is a symphony for the senses. The conductor? The Master of the Household. The musicians? The hundreds of royal household staff, including chefs, footmen, pages, housemaids and florists, who will have spent many hours carefully rehearsing their parts ahead of the final performance.

But what does a state banquet entail? Here, Tatler shares everything you need to know…

The Queen Elizabeth II views a 2008 exhibition in which the Ballroom was laid out like a state banquet

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The largest of the state rooms, the Ballroom was completed in the 1850s, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The musicians’ gallery, complete with an organ, remains as a reminder of its original iteration as the Ball and Concert room. Echoes of previous monarchs are also seen in the two thrones that were made for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Above them is a triumphal arch, flanked by sphinxes and enclosing the throne canopy. The winged figures at the top of the arch symbolise History and Fame and support a medallion with the profiles of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

A menu is pictured in the Ballroom set up for a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

Dozens of guests are seated around the horseshoe table set with dazzling silver-gilt from King George IV’s Grand Service. Designed to rival the gilded collections of Napoleon I, the 4,000 pieces for dining and display include every utensil imaginable, from marrow scoops and ice spades to olive spoons. There is a whole team of staff dedicated to maintaining these exquisite collections: the Silver and China Pantries. They use precise measurements to align each piece; each plate is 45cm from the next.

A member of palace staff showcases some of the pieces on display

Each place is set with two knives and forks, with a dessert spoon and fork above. To the left of each place are a porcelain side plate, a silver butter knife and a small glass butter dish. There are also six glasses: water, red and white wine, dessert wine, champagne and port. Each guest shares a salt, mustard pot and pepper caster with their neighbour. In the centre of the table are candelabra, mirror plateaux and dessert stands from the Grand Service. Other pieces are displayed around the outside of the horseshoe. Beautiful flowers are tastefully arranged in the centre of the table.

The four-course menu is written in French

While much of the preparation can be done in advance, this is not true of the food, which is prepared as close to the start of the meal as possible to ensure mouth-wateringly fresh food. Four courses are served, with each guest given a menu written in French. A starter (often fish) is followed by a main course, dessert, and finally fresh fruit and petit fours. For the South African state visit, chefs have made the national flower , the protea, out of sugar, to be served. The plates are kept off the table and kept hot until serving. Often the menu highlights the best of British produce. This will undoubtedly be the case for King Charles III, who has long championed British farming and agriculture. Alcoholic drinks come from the Government Wine Cellar, while the food is prepared by chefs of the Royal Household.

The Queen with President Barack Obama in 2011

The guest of honour or visiting head of state, in this case President Yoon Suk Yeol, will be seated to the right of King Charles III. He will speak to President Yoon Suk Yeol for the first course, then swap his attention to the person seated on his left. Seating works outwards in order of seniority, so the Prince and Princess of Wales can expect to be seated on the top table, close to King Charles III and the Queen.

The then Duchess of Cambridge and Steven Mnuchin at the state banquet in 2019

The dress code for a state banquet is typically white tie, court dress and full dress uniforms. This includes national dress. Men typically wear a black tailcoat and trousers, white piqué shirt with wing collar, white piqué waistcoat with lapels and three buttons and a white piqué bow tie. Crucially, decorations and medals of honour are also worn. For women, it is a ballgowns, gloves, decorations and tiaras, if appropriate. This rare opportunity for royals to bring out the most precious of pieces in the royal collection is what makes it such an exciting evening for royal watchers.

By Rebecca Cope

The music programme for the state banquet for President Jacques Chirac

After processing into the Ballroom, the guests will take their seats. The meal traditionally begins with a toast by the monarch and the visiting head of state, before the food is served. Royal household staff are divided into some 20 teams of four. Each ‘team’ comprises of a page, footman, under butler and a wine butler, each of whom will have been well briefed on any dietary requirements or additional needs. A string orchestra typically plays throughout the meal, with bagpipers entering the ballroom at the end of the evening to signal the end of the festivities.

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By Natasha Leake

King Charles to welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in first state visit of his reign

William and Kate will greet President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife, Tshepo Motsepe, on behalf of the King. They will then travel with the couple to the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade.

Royal correspondent @laurabundock

Tuesday 22 November 2022 05:45, UK

The King will host his first state visit as monarch as he welcomes the president of South Africa to the UK.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will play a key role in the visit , which includes a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

Two hundred horses and a thousand soldiers will take part in the military parade, with gun salutes fired from Green Park.

A state carriage procession will take the president, the King and Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch.

The King will then show the president an exhibition of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

The state banquet in the evening will see the royal red carpet rolled out, with both the Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales expected to wear tiaras.

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• Cyril Ramaphosa

State visits are the ultimate diplomatic gift, and decisions on who gets invited are taken by the Foreign Office.

They provide the UK government with an opportunity to promote and boost international relationships.

This one though has particular significance for the King as it is the first of his reign.

He will make a speech at the start of the banquet, and his words will be carefully chosen, and the King could use this opportunity to discuss his vision for the Commonwealth.

It is also the first state visit to the UK since the pandemic, with the previous one in 2019 when the Queen hosted Donald Trump.

Throughout her reign, the Queen played host to 116 State Visits, and was known to take great personal interest in the small details.

Her last South African visit was over a decade ago in 2010, when she welcomed President Jacob Zuma.

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President Ramaphosa is currently facing controversy at home, accused of covering up the alleged theft of $4m (£3.4m) in cash from his farm. The president denies any wrong-doing.

Do not expect any mention of that. This visit will be used to announce new projects between South Africa and the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "South Africa is already the UK's biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

"I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence."

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King Charles' first State Banquet menu includes Windsor pheasant, brill and £75 port

Charles welcomed South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier today in another milestone for the new monarch - tonight guests will feast on a lavish menu that also includes brill and braised fondant potatoes

• 19:23, 22 Nov 2022
• Updated 21:44, 22 Nov 2022

Guests at King Charles ' first State Banquet at Buckingham Palace will enjoy a Windsor pheasant and £75 port.

Charles welcomed South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier today in another milestone for the new monarch.

Prince William and Kate Middleton also arrived wearing their evening best. The Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales both paid tribute to the late Queen as they stepped out in late Queen Elizabeth II's jewels for their first State Banquet in their new roles.

The pair joined the King and the Prince of Wales and more than 160 guests for a glittering white tie evening affair at Buckingham Palace in honour of the South African president.

Other members of the royal family that have arrived include the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

The last state visit by a world leader was in 2019 with former US President Donald Trump and was held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Mr Ramaphosa was warmly greeted by the monarch and the Queen Consort Camilla earlier today as he began a two-day state visit to the UK.

His Majesty will be treating Mr Ramaphosa to a luxury menu of stuffed Windsor pheasant and grilled brill with wild mushrooms tonight.

The lavish menu offers two mains of grilled brill and Windsor Pheasant.

It differs slightly from the menu of Balmoral venison or lamb from when Queen Elizabeth II hosted.

Some of the sides included a selection of Chantenay carrots, kale with roasted butternut squash, braised fondant potatoes and salad.

And for dessert, guests will enjoy an iced vanilla parfait with caramelised apples or coffee and bite-sized confectionery were the options for dessert.

Some of the wines on offer include £75 Taylor's Vintage Port 1983, a Château Feytit-Clinet and a Pomerol 2000.

Other bottles of wine include a £60 Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2016, an English sparkling wine that goes at £60 a bottle, a £77 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, a Morgeot, Clos de la Chapelle, a £61 Domaine Duc de Magenta 2014, and a £55 Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2007.

Earlier this evening, the King and Queen Consort followed the late Queen's tradition of inspecting the table to make sure everything was in order, ahead of the evening event in honour of the South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Tonight, Camilla opted for the much-missed monarch's diamond and sapphire tiara, while Kate wore a pearl bracelet belonging to the late Queen, as well as Diana, Princess of Wales's earrings.

The sapphire collection, sometimes known as the King George VI Victorian Sapphire Suite, worn by Camilla was of great sentimental importance to the late Queen.

The necklace was a gift from her beloved father, George VI, for her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.

Camilla was dressed in royal blue lace evening dress by Bruce Oldfield, the Garter sash, Queen Victoria's garter order and the late Queen's family order.

Kate wore a caped, white Jenny Packham floor length evening dress with sparkling detail on the shoulders, and her go-to tiara, the Lover's Knot.

Kate also wore the family order, and the GCVO Star and Sash, as well as the four strand pearl bracelet belonging to the late Queen and Diana's diamond and pearl drop earrings.

The Lover's Knot Tiara, a diamond and pearl-encrusted headpiece made in 1914, was often worn by her namesake Diana, Princess of Wales.

It was given to Diana by the Queen as a wedding gift in 1981.

She is also wearing Queen Elizabeth II's sapphire and diamond tiara plus a matching necklace and bracelet.

King Charles is wearing the Garter Star and Thistle Star, along with three miniature medals (for the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee).

Tonight's lavish menu

Main dishes:

Filet de Barbue Gallieni (Grilled Brill with Wild Mushrooms and Truffles, Sorrel Sauce)

Ballotine de Faisan aux Artichauts, Compote de Coings, Sauce au Porto (Ballotine of Windsor Pheasant filled with Artichokes, Quince Compote and Port Sauce)

Panaché de Carottes de Chantenay (Selection of assorted Chantenay Carrots)

Chou Frisé et Potiron Rôti (Kale with Roasted Butternut Squash)

Pommes de Terre Fondantes (Braised Fondant Potatoes)

Parfait de Vanille et Pommes Caramélisées (Iced Vanilla Parfait with Caramelised Apples)

Café et Petit Fours

Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2016

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru

Morgeot, Clos de la Chapelle, Domaine Duc de Magenta 2014

Château Feytit-Clinet, Pomerol 2000

Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2007

Taylor’s Vintage Port 1983

Tonight, the King personally requested that only sustainable flowers be used on for massive dinner table tonight.

In the Buckingham Palace ballroom, the grand horseshoe-shaped table, set for 163 people, was decorated with blooms sourced from the palace gardens and Windsor Castle.

And in a new addition to the traditional floral centrepieces at banquets during the late Queen's reign, the table was also lined with hundreds of tiny individual stem glass vases, each filled with pink, red and purple flowers.

Cyclamen, nerines, rosehips, anemones, amaryllis, chrysanthemum blooms and hydrangea made up the elaborate display, as well as crab apples sourced from Kent.

The foliage included variegated berried ivy, trailing green ivy, flowering viburnum, mahonia japonica and berried cotoneaster.

A spokesman for the King said: "It was the King's decision to ask for sustainable flowers.

"They are all seasonal and from the gardens of Windsor and Buckingham Palace. They have not been flown in from around the world."

Other high-profile guests tonight will include Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Lord Speaker John McFall, Baron McFall of Alcluith, and Baroness Amos.

The itinerary for the two-day visit also shows how the Duke of Cornwall Prince William and Duchess of Cornwall Kate Middleton are playing a key role in the diplomatic event.

The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to Mr Ramaphosa's luxury hotel in nearby central London and accompanied him to Horse Guards Parade for the start of the ceremonial welcome.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and senior members of the Cabinet were also there for the ceremonial reception.

Buckingham Palace is hosting a state dinner tonight, but due to reservicing work, the South African leader will not be staying there.

Work for the South African state visit began during the late Queen's reign and the King was said to have been delighted to continue with the plans.

Both the King and the president are expected to make speeches.

The visit follows the traditional format adopted during the reign of the late Queen.

After the ceremony today, the King hosted the president at a private lunch at the Palace and then invited him to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

When Mr Ramaphosa picked up a photograph of the Queen with former president Mr Mandela during a 1996 Buckingham Palace state banquet, he said: "This lovely picture," and agreed when the King replied: "You were lucky to have known both."

As they came across a photograph of Charles with the Spice Girls band in South Africa in 1997, the president said: "There you are," with Charles adding with a smile: "There they are."

The Prince of Wales later spotted the photo, saying with a grin to his accompanying guests: "My father in South Africa - the Spice Girls."

Tomorrow, the Earl of Wessex will escort the South African leader to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.

It comes after the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother Edward - and sister the Princess Royal - as extra Counsellors of State so he can deputise for the monarch if need be.

MORE ON Buckingham Palace Politics King Charles III

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See the Best Photos of the Royals at the Japan State Banquet

King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Buckingham Palace in glamorous fashion.

This week marks the third state visit King Charles has hosted during his reign. The first, in honor of South Africa's President Ramaphosa , took place in November 2022, and the second, in honor of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol , was in November 2023. On the first evening of a state visit, a state banquet traditionally takes place in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.

Also in attendance tonight were Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Kate Middleton, though she appeared at Trooping the Colour earlier this month, is still undergoing cancer treatment and is not back to work, so she was not among the royals at the banquet this evening. Princess Anne, who was hospitalized with a head injury, also missed the banquet.

Here, see all the best photos of the royals (and their guests) at the Japan state banquet:

Queen Camilla, Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito, and King Charles pose for a formal portrait.

The royals seemed to be in good spirits.

Queen Camilla wears the Burmese Ruby Tiara (made by Garrard) and a dress by Fiona Clare. She also wore a new honor from King Charles for the first time.

Read more about her honor

Empress Masako wore the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara for the first time, while Emperor Naruhito wore the star of the Order of the Garter .

Read more about Masako's tiara

Read more about Naruhito's appointment to the Garter

King Charles and Emperor Naruhito led the procession into the state banquet.

The Emperor and the King were deep in conversation as they walked in together, followed by Empress Masako and Queen Camilla.

The royal women both wore white gowns for the occasion.

Prince William walked algonside with Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey as Prince Edward followed behind, walking next to Julia Longbottom.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (in green) wore the Lotus Flower Tiara for the first time . She entered the ballroom next to H.E. Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone.

Read more about the tiara

The Duke of Gloucester accompanied Ms Yukiko Nishimiya into the banquet.

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester walked in with H.E. Mr. Yoshiji Nogami. The Duchess wore the Cartier Indian Tiara.

King Charles and Emperor Naruhito shared a laugh. Both delivered speeches during the event; King Charles mentioned Hello Kitty and Pokémon in his.

Read more here

Emperor Naruhito and King Charles clink glasses during a toast.

Guests seated during the dinner.

King Charles sat next to the Emperor and Queen Camilla.

A view of the Buckingham Palace ballroom before everyone arrived.

King Charles III's cypher is on the dinner plates.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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Queen Camilla Goes Glam in Tiara for State Banquet at Buckingham Palace with King Charles and Prince William

The Emperor and Empress of Japan's state visit to the U.K. kicked off earlier in the day

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

 KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty

King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting a glamorous gala.

Members of the royal family stepped out on the evening of June 25 for a state banquet honoring Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan during their state visit, which kicked off earlier in the day.

Queen Camilla, 76, sported the Burmese Ruby Tiara with a white gown for the evening event. She previously made her debut in the headpiece in November 2023, when she sported it at the state banquet honoring the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeo's state visit to the U.K.

According to  The Court Jeweller , the tiara was made by jeweler Garrard in 1973, constructed from diamonds and rubies that the late Queen Elizabeth received as wedding presents. The rubies came from the people of Burma, while the diamonds came from the deconstructed Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara. Queen Elizabeth, who died in September 2022, wore the headpiece on several occasions during her historic 70-year reign.

She also debuted a new accessory : King Charles' Family Order. The portrait by Elizabeth Meek of the British monarch is based on a Hugo Burnand photograph taken in 2023. Queen Camilla became the first person to wear the honor, given only to royal women, when she pinned the piece on a blue sash just above Queen Elizabeth's Family Order.

Also attending the event were Prince William , Prince Edward, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh and more members of the royal family.

Press Association via AP Images

Missing from the gala was Kate Middleton . The Princess of Wales, 42, usually helps host state visits, but she is continuing to stay largely out of the public eye amid her cancer treatment . Princess Kate joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour on June 15 in her first public appearance in six months, but the outing did not signal a return to royal work and public life . She said in a personal letter shared on June 14 that she is "starting to do a little work from home" and expressed a "hope to join a few public engagements over the summer," but any upcoming outings will be based on when she feels able and under medical guidance.

Princess Anne was also unable to attend the state banquet due to her current hospitalization . King Charles' sister, 73, sustained  a concussion and minor injuries  consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs at her Gatcombe Park home on June 23. The Telegraph  reports that the Princess Royal is suffering memory loss related to the incident, which is thought to be temporary.

AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

The diplomatic dinners, which usually happen on the first day of a state visit, call for elegant evening dresses and often tiaras.

Ahead of the June 25 gala, the royal family's official social media pages shared a peek at the intricate setup for the dinner at the ballroom of Buckingham Palace. Gloved staff set the perfectly lined-up table with floral centerpieces, silverware, glasses and ornately arranged napkins, including name cards for "The King" and "The Emperor of Japan."

According to the Royal Collection Trust , the tables are arranged in a horseshoe shape, with the monarch and their guest of honor seated at the top table.

King Charles and Queen Camilla reviewed the decorations before getting changed into their evening wear.

The video also showed a look at the food being served. The Royal Collection Trust explains that the royal chef usually puts together a four-course meal: two savory dishes followed by pudding and fruit for dessert. The Clerk of the Royal Cellars and the Yeoman of the Royal Cellars, in conjunction with the Head of Government Hospitality, choose wine to complement the food.

Prince William  led the royal welcome for the state visit earlier in the day, greeting the Japanese Emperor and Empress at their hotel before they headed to Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome. A carriage ride brought the British royals and their guests back to Buckingham Palace for lunch and a viewing of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan. The Emperor and Empress also visited Westminster Abbey, where they placed a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

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On June 26, Emperor Naruhito will pay a solo visit to the Francis Crick Institute, the nation's leading biomedical research center. Later in the day,  Prince Edward  and  Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will join the Emperor and Empress for a banquet at the Guildhall organized by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. 

On June 27, the Japanese royals will bid farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla as the state visit comes to a close. They will continue their time in the U.K. with a visit to the Young V&A museum, which is highlighting the exhibit "Japan: Myths to Manga." Emperor Naruhito will then privately visit St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at  Queen Elizabeth 's grave in the King George VI Chapel. The emperor and his wife were among the 2,000 guests who attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

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Kate dazzles in diamonds! Princess of Wales wears Cambridge lover's knot tiara and shimmering white Jenny Packham gown as she joins Prince William at State Banquet

• The Princess of Wales attended the lavish State Banquet held in honour of the visiting South African president
• Kate put her best fashion foot forward as she joined Prince William, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla
• Charles III treated South African president Cyril Ramaphosa to a fine menu of stuffed Windsor pheasant

By Jessica Green For Mailonline and Rebecca English Royal Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: 15:09 EDT, 22 November 2022 | Updated: 04:08 EDT, 23 November 2022

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The Princess of Wales dazzled in diamonds tonight as she attended the luxurious State Banquet held in honour of the visiting South African president.

Kate, 40, put her best fashion foot forward in a gem embellished white gown from her favoured Jenny Packham as she joined Prince William, King Charles III  and Queen Consort Camilla for the lavish occasion at Buckingham Palace, the first of its kind in three years.

She relied on her favourite tiara, the Cambridge Lover's Knot, which was a wedding gift to Princess Diana, paired with diamond and pearl drop earrings that also once belonged to her late mother-in-law, and wore a blue sash as well as the Royal Family Order, made up of a portrait of the Queen on a yellow ribbon.

Other members of the Firm attending the opulent event included the Earl and  Countess of Wessex , the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. 

Charles treated South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, whose state visit to the UK was in the planning before Queen Elizabeth II 's death, to a fine menu of stuffed Windsor pheasant and grilled brill with wild mushrooms tonight.

Mr Ramaphosa was greeted by more than 1,000 soldiers , 230 horses, seven military bands and two state coaches earlier today - before being an honoured guest at the State Banquet held by the King, Queen Consort and other members of the Royal Family .

The Princess of Wales dazzled in diamonds tonight as she attended the luxurious State Banquet held in honour of the visiting South African president

Kate was a picture of elegance in the white ensemble which she paired with sparkly stilettos and a small white clutch bag

Kate, 40, put her best fashion foot forward in a gem embellished white gown from her favoured Jenny Packham as she joined Prince William

She relied on her favourite tiara, the Cambridge Lover's Knot, which was a wedding gift to Princess Diana, paired with diamond and pearl drop earrings that also once belonged to her late mother-in-law. Pictured right: Princess Diana donned the Queen Mary Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara and diamond earrings as she attended a banquet in 1983 in Auckland

King Charles III (centre) and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, welcome South African president Cyril Ramaphosa (left) to tonight's state banquet at Buckingham Palace

King Charles makes the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, laugh during a speech before tonight's state banquet at Buckingham Palace

Cheers! The Princess of Wales and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, toast at the State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace, London

King Charles and President Cyril Ramaphosa appear deep in conversation as they make their way to the state banquet at Buckingham Palace tonight

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, stand at Buckingham Palace ahead of tonight's state banquet

Looking effortlessly elegant, Kate opted for a matching white Alexander McQueen clutch, a pearl bracelet, and Gianvito Rossi heels.

The mother-of-three kept her brunette locks in an up-do and added a smattering of glamorous makeup to her features for this evening's dinner, however, it was the sparkling tiara she opted for that stole the show. 

Once belonging to Princess Diana and now perhaps Kate's most favoured piece of royal jewellery, the tiara was made by Royal jeweller Garrard in 1914 to Queen Mary's personal design, from pearls and diamonds already in her family's possession.

It was a copy of one owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, who married the first Duke of Cambridge, seventh son of King George III, in 1818. In her will, Queen Mary left the tiara to the Queen who wore it frequently, including at an evening event in 1955.

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In 1981 she gave it as a wedding present to Prince William's mother, Diana, who wore it for the first time at the state opening of parliament that November. Diana also wore the tiara in 1985 on an official visit to Washington with Prince Charles.

And since her death the glistening headpiece has been worn by the Princess of Wales; in October 2018, Kate wore the tiara to a state banquet along with a silvery blue taffeta gown by one of her go-to designers, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

She teamed it with Princess Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings and Queen Alexandra of Denmark's wedding gift necklace, which was a favourite of the Queen Mother's.

The Queen Mother wore the diamond and pearl sparkler on her 85th birthday in 1985 and during a formal appearance in 1964.

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Kate also wore a blue sash as well as the Royal Family Order, made up of a portrait of the Queen on a yellow ribbon which was pinned to her gown 

The princess swept her brunette locks up in a chic up-style which showed off her glamorous drop diamond and pearl earrings 

Once belonging to Princess Diana and now perhaps Kate's most favoured piece of royal jewellery, Kate's tiara (pictured) was made by Royal jeweller Garrard in 1914 to Queen Mary's personal design, from pearls and diamonds already in her family's possession

Looking effortlessly elegant, Kate opted for a matching white Alexander McQueen clutch, a pearl bracelet, and Gianvito Rossi heels

The mother-of-three kept her brunette locks in an up-do and added a smattering of glamorous makeup to her features for this evening's dinner, however, it was the sparkling tiara she opted for that stole the show

Radiant: Kate opted for a glamorous makeup look to highlight her elegant features when attending tonight's event

Leading lady! The elegant Princess of Wales with guests during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, London

Making small talk! The Princess of Wales appeared to be interested in what one guest discussed with her at tonight's event

This evening's event offered a lavish menu of two mains: grilled brill with wild mushrooms, truffles and sorrel sauce or ballotine of Windsor Pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce. Pictured, Kate walking alongside a guest

This evening's event offered a lavish menu of two mains: grilled brill with wild mushrooms, truffles and sorrel sauce or ballotine of Windsor Pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce.

It is a departure from the banquets of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who often favoured Balmoral venison or lamb from one of the other royal estates when hosting foreign dignitaries. 

The sides included a selection of assorted Chantenay carrots, kale with roasted butternut squash, braised fondant potatoes and salad. Iced Vanilla Parfait with Caramelised Apples or coffee and bite-sized confectionery were the options for dessert.

There are wines on offer to accompany the luxurious food, including a Château Feytit-Clinet, Pomerol 2000 that tastes of ‘melted liquorish, cherries and earth’, plus £75 Taylor’s Vintage Port 1983.

Others include Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2016, an English sparkling wine that goes at £60 a bottle, a £77 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, a Morgeot, Clos de la Chapelle, Domaine Duc de Magenta 2014 which goes for £61 and Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2007 which is £55.

Yesterday the kitchens at Buckingham Palace also created the national flowers of South Africa, Protea, out of sugar and edible colouring, for the State Banquet. 

Preparations for a State Banquet begin well over a year in advance, but the final ‘build’ of the State Banquet table starts around five days ahead of the arrival of the visiting Head of State.

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive for the State Banquet for South African president Cyril Ramaphosa at Buckingham Palace

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive in all their finery to attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London

Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, arrive at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace tonight

King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, arrive at Buckingham Palace tonight ahead of the a State Banquet for the president of South Africa

The Duke of Kent (pictured right) arrives for the State Banquet for South African president Cyril Ramaphosa at Buckingham Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive at Buckingham Palace for tonight's State Banquet for the president of South Africa

The operational arm of Buckingham Palace, The Master of the Household’s department, take the main bulk of the responsibility for ensuring the Banquet runs according to plan.

The menu for State Visit of South African premier Cyril Ramaphosa

Filet de Barbue Gallieni

(Grilled Brill with Wild Mushrooms and Truffles, Sorrel Sauce)

Ballotine de Faisan aux Artichauts, Compote de Coings, Sauce au Porto

(Ballotine of Windsor Pheasant filled with Artichokes, Quince Compote and Port Sauce)

Panaché de Carottes de Chantenay

(Selection of assorted Chantenay Carrots)

Chou Frisé et Potiron Rôti

(Kale with Roasted Butternut Squash)

Pommes de Terre Fondantes

(Braised Fondant Potatoes)

Parfait de Vanille et Pommes Caramélisées

(Iced Vanilla Parfait with Caramelised Apples)

Café et Petit Fours

Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2016

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru

Morgeot, Clos de la Chapelle, Domaine Duc de Magenta 2014

Château Feytit-Clinet, Pomerol 2000

Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2007

Taylor’s Vintage Port 1983

After the Banqueting table is put together, and the decorative display is delivered, unpacked and positioned in place, the final touches are added. Place setting are measured at exactly 45 centimetres apart.

Preparations in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, meanwhile, begin as close to the event as possible — with every dish handmade from scratch.

Every element of the State Banquet is inspected, checked and approved by the monarch, who will also view the table in person before retiring to get dressed.

Around 170 guests are expected, requiring 1,700 pieces of cutlery all laid out using rulers to get the precise spacing measurements correct.

Earlier today Charles III laid on a Guard of Honour for the South African president before joining him in a golden carriage ride to Buckingham Palace as he held his first state visit as King.

William and Kate were part of events for the first time, travelling to a luxury hotel in central London to meet Cyril Ramaphosa and accompany him to Horse Guards Parade for the start of the ceremonial welcome.

There, the monarch and Queen Consort shook hands with the president at the Royal Pavilion ahead of the glamorous state banquet.

The South African national anthem played shortly after Mr Ramaphosa's arrival, while the Guard of Honour gave a Royal Salute.

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.

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.

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.

Mr Ramaphosa then joined Charles and Camilla as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales for a carriage procession along The Mall. 

Upon reaching the Palace, they were met  by a second Guard of Honour found by 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, while at the Tower of London, a  62-round gun salute was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company regiment to mark the President's visit.

Following a private lunch at the Palace, the King invited Mr Ramaphosa to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

The President then visited Westminster Abbey, where he will laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and took a tour, which included the memorial stone for Nelson Mandela, the South African President between 1994 and 1999.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, King Charles, Camilla,  Prince William, and Catherine attended the Ceremonial Welcome earlier today

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, addresses MPs and peers in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster 

A procession leading a state carriage containing Britain's King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa back to Buckingham Palace

Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, William, Prince of Wales, King Charles III and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa view items displayed as part of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

After that, Mr Ramaphosa went to the Palace of Westminster, where he was welcomed by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker, before delivering an address in the Royal Gallery to MPs and other guests.

After the private lunch at Buckingham Palace, in which they were joined by other members of the Royal Family, including the the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke of Gloucester.

The seemingly very jovial party was treated to a small exhibition of South African artefacts from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery.

It included a bowl given to the late Duke of Edinburgh to mark his attendance of Nelson Mandela's inauguration as president in 1994 and a letter written by the Queen to welcome South Africa back into the Commonwealth after 33 years.

There was also a stunning chess set given to the duke by President Mandela when he visited London in 1996, the first by a South African head of state.

It features two tribes - the Zulus and the Ndebele - in place of the traditional black and white pieces. 'This is rather wonderful,' the King told the president proudly.

The State Carriage carrying Camilla, Queen Consort, King Charles III and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa led by a mounted division of the Coldstream Guards makes its way along The Mall

Catherine Princess of Wales during the State Visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa this afternoon

The Princess, who has worn the Collingwood earrings on a number of occasions in the past, also wore a brooch which was gifted to Diana from the Queen Mother 

William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales travel to Buckingham Palace during a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, King Charles III and the Queen Consort, ride in the State Carriage to Buckingham Palace, London

King Charles and The Queen Consort, Camilla, formally welcome the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (pictured) at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade

(left to right) The Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales as they inspect a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome for President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa's State Visit to the UK

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 Princess of Wales was elegant in an Emilia Wickstead coat dress which she paired with a matching hat as she welcomed South Africa's President to the UK today

Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and King Charles III travel in State Carriage to Buckingham Palace following the welcome ceremony for the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

The State Carriage carrying Camilla, Queen Consort, King Charles III and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa led by a mounted division of the Coldstream Guards arrives at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace

The royal mother-of-three was elegant as she welcomed Mr Ramaphosa today, donning the smart burgundy coat dress with a matching Sean Barrett hat and a £495 Mulberry bag

Camilla, Queen Consort, King Charles III and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa arrive at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace during a state visit

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

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort show South African President Cyril Ramaphosa 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

The royal mother-of-three was elegant as she welcomed Mr Ramaphosa today, donning the smart burgundy coat dress with a matching Sean Barrett hat and a Mulberry bag

Britain's King Charles and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attend a ceremonial welcome, during the President's state visit, at Horse Guards Parade

King Charles III during the State Visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa in London this afternoon

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, walks with King Charles III (not pictured) as they inspect a Guard of Honour

A photograph of the then Prince of Wales with President Mandela and the Spice Girls in South Africa in 1997 also caught the President's eye. 'Ah, there you are,' he said with evident delight.

Many of the visiting delegation seemed particularly pleased to see pictures of the late Queen dotted around the exhibition. 'I was there for that!' exclaimed the South African foreign minister.

The late Queen had a particular affinity for the country after choosing it as the venue for her keynote 21st birthday speech in which she famously devoted her life to the service of others. 

Former President Donald Trump's state visit in 2019 was the most recent by a world leader but his welcome was staged in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, so the official visit by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2019 was the last time a full ceremonial welcome was staged on Horse Guards Parade.

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.'

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.'

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa shakes hands with King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom

King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Horse Guards Parade in London, ahead of the arrival of President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa for a State Visit to the UK

Climate change, trade and Charles's vision for the Commonwealth are expected to be on the agenda during Mr Ramaphosa's two-day visit. 

South Africa is the UK's biggest trading partner on the continent with trade between both countries worth £10.7billion annually.

However, despite the wealth of pomp and pageantry on display, the visit risks being clouded by events in South Africa, where Ramaphosa risks impeachment for allegedly failing to report a major raid at his luxury farmhouse which saw raiders take £3.4million in cash.

It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today announced the UK and South Africa will join forces to 'turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together'.

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched today, supporting South Africa's economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years, said Downing Street.

Mr Sunak said: 'South Africa is already the UK's biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) is greeted by Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Camilla, Queen Consort

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) walks with Britain's King Charles III as they inspect a Guard of Honour during a Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade

(left to right) the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive as President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, King Charles III and the Queen Consort look on before they inspect a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome for his State Visit to the UK

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Britain's King Charles III inspect a Guard of Honour, formed by Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, during a Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade in London

Charles III has arrived at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade as he prepares to welcome South African president Cyril Ramaphosa for his first state visit as monarch

Camilla, Queen Consort during the State Visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa

The King and The Queen Consort formally welcome The President at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the ceremonial welcome for the State Visit to the UK by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (left) and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend the ceremonial welcome for the State Visit to the UK by the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman were also present for the event on Horse Guards Parade

British Secretary of State for the Home Department Suella Braverman looks on during a state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Houses of Parliament

'I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.'

The two-day state visit will see a series of firsts for the royal family who will take part in events over the coming two days as they host their guest Mr Ramaphosa.

South Africa's High Commissioner, Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, hailed the importance of the state visit after speaking to the King a few weeks ago when Charles visited an exhibition of South African fashion in London.

Mr Mamabolo, who is expected to be among the state banquet guests, said: 'The important thing is that the King has focused for his first visit, to be with Africa, South Africa, and the Commonwealth.'

Mr Ramaphosa was Jacob Zuma's deputy in 2014 and gained the presidency in 2018. But he is currently fighting for his political life and facing calls to resign as the deeply divided ruling party African National Congress (ANC) is to hold a vote on its leadership in December.

A scandal in which Ramaphosa is accused of concealing a multi-million dollar cash theft has piled pressure on him. He faces an accusation that he failed to report a heist at his luxury cattle farmhouse in which robbers took $4million (£3.4m) in cash and instead organised for the robbers to be kidnapped and bribed into silence.

The president has acknowledged a burglary but denies kidnapping and bribery, saying he reported the break-in to the police. A panel appointed by South Africa's parliament is set to determine whether to impeach him.

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