Buckingham Palace is set to welcome South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol for a grand state banquet hosted by King Charles. The visit marks the first incoming state visit since the King's
coronation and the second during his reign.
Accompanied by his wife, Kim Keon Hee, President Yoon Suk Yeol will be received by King Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The opulent Palace ballroom is poised to host approximately 170 guests for the white-tie affair tomorrow evening.
The state visit follows the President's arrival at Stansted Airport on Monday, where he emphasized the world's facing a 'polycrisis' of multiple conflicts and threats to humanity. He seeks to forge a closer alliance with the West amidst these global challenges.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, will play a pivotal role in welcoming the President and the First Lady at their hotel on Tuesday morning. The royals will then accompany the distinguished guests to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will await their arrival.
The day's agenda includes a royal salute by the F Company Scots Guards, traditional pomp, and a troop inspection on the parade ground. Subsequently, a carriage procession down The Mall to the Palace will follow, leading to a private lunch and an exclusive tour of Royal Collection exhibits in the Picture Gallery.
Later in the day, President Yoon will partake in laying a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. He is also slated to deliver an address in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster to members of both Houses before attending the much-anticipated banquet held in his honor.
The banquet is expected to witness the attendance of various members of the royal family, dignitaries, and foreign secretaries. The occasion will include speeches by King Charles and President Yoon, solidifying the diplomatic ties between their nations.
Despite anticipation and preparations, President Yoon's past actions have been subject to criticism. Allegations of suppressing freedom of speech and controversies involving both the President and his wife have surfaced, contributing to some disquiet.
This historic state visit underlines the King's commitment to international diplomacy and cooperation, following previous state visits and his engagement on the global stage.
The visit holds significant political and diplomatic importance, aiming to strengthen ties between South Korea and the United Kingdom, echoing the King's vision for global relations in his reign. Photo by J. Patrick Fischer, Wikimedia commons.