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Prince William and Princess Catherine to Play Key Roles in Historic State Visit
Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, are set to take on significant roles in a momentous event that will mark the first of its kind in three years.
Next week, King Charles III will assume the role of state host for the first time since becoming monarch.
As he prepares to welcome the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, to the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace will host a magnificent banquet in his honor.
The Palace has unveiled the itinerary for Cyril Ramaphosa's two-day visit, revealing that both Prince William and Princess Catherine will play crucial roles.
Prince William, as the Prince of Wales and heir apparent, will assume a prominent position during the visit.
This state visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first to the United Kingdom in over three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The previous state visit was by Donald Trump in 2019.
Furthermore, this event also marks the first major occasion since the passing of the late Queen in September.
On Tuesday morning, Prince William and Princess Catherine will receive President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of King Charles at his London hotel.
They will then accompany him to Horse Guards Parade for an official greeting with King Charles before joining the Carriage Parade back to Buckingham Palace.
The highlight of the day will be the White Tie banquet in the evening, where Princess Catherine and Queen Consort Camilla will grace the occasion wearing tiaras.
Both the King and the President will deliver speeches during the banquet.
The visit follows the customary structure established during the late Queen's reign.
Upon returning from Horse Guards, King Charles will host a special luncheon for President Ramaphosa at the Palace.
Subsequently, the monarch will invite the President to view the exhibition of South African-related artifacts from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery.
As per tradition, Mr. Ramaphosa will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
Additionally, he will visit the Palace of Westminster to address parliamentarians in the Royal Gallery before attending the evening state banquet.
On Wednesday, the South African President will be accompanied by the Earl of Wessex to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
This visit aims to showcase the beauty of the gardens and further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In preparation for any unforeseen circumstances, King Charles has requested that Parliament appoint his youngest brother, Edward, and his sister, the Princess Royal, as additional counselors of state.
This will enable them to step in for the monarch in case of an emergency.
After meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street, President Ramaphosa will bid farewell to the King at the Palace.
He will also have a call with Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, and spend Wednesday night attending a Guildhall supper hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
