The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met President Yoon Suk Yeol and the First Lady during their South Korea state visit in London on Tuesday morning.
Prince William, 41, donned a sharp dark navy suit with a stylish red silk tie. Princess Kate, 41, looked elegant in a scarlet cape dress by Catherine Walker, paired with a matching hat from Jane Taylor. Her glossy brunette hair was fashioned into a chic chignon, complemented by radiant makeup and dazzling diamond and sapphire earrings.
Adding flair to her ensemble, Kate wore pointed red heels and carried a sleek red clutch with a small bow, perfectly coordinating with her vibrant cape dress.
The royal party, accompanied by the President and the First Lady, proceeded to Horse Guards Parade. Here, they were formally welcomed by the King and Queen in a grand ceremony.
Before the arrival, Prince Charles and Camilla stood on the royal pavilion, exchanging brief pleasantries with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and defense chiefs of staff. Senior Staff from the Household Division, led by Major General James Bowder, also joined the gathering.
Queen Camilla exuded sophistication in a navy blue midi dress and coordinating coat, both crafted by Anna Valentine. Her Majesty adorned a spectacular feathered hat designed by Philip Treacy and added a touch of sparkle with a magnificent brooch that once belonged to Queen Mary.
During the ceremony, presentations were made, a royal salute was given, and the national anthem of the Republic of Korea played.
The King and President Yoon inspected the Guard of Honour, formed by F Company Scots Guards. President Yoon walked past two ranks of Guardsmen before returning to the royal pavilion.
Notably, members of the Scots Guards had recently been deployed to South Korea for training.
The royal party, along with their guests, returned to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession down The Mall.
King Charles and the Korean president traveled in the Irish state coach, while Queen Camilla and the First Lady rode in the Australian State Coach. Following behind were William and Kate, accompanied by Choo Kyungho, deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, in the Scottish State Coach.
Upon reaching Buckingham Palace, the royal family and guests were greeted by a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
After a private lunch, President Yoon and his wife viewed a special exhibition in the palace’s Picture Gallery, showcasing items from the Royal Collection related to the Republic of Korea.
Among the exhibited items was a letter from King Gojong to Queen Victoria, marking the first evidence of diplomatic relations in 1883.
William and Kate joined the entourage to view an exhibition celebrating the UK’s ties with South Korea. During this, the princess, with a smile, remarked “and karaoke” to deputy prime minister Choo Kyung-ho and the minister of foreign affairs Park Jin.
William noted, “I’ll put it in the diary” as he observed gifts given to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her state visit to Korea in 1999.
President Yoon and Mrs. Kim, along with the Duke of Gloucester, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial, marking the 70th anniversary of the war’s end.
Later, the President and the First Lady headed to the Palace of Westminster, where they were welcomed by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. President Yoon delivered an address in the Royal Gallery to members of both Houses of Parliament and other guests.
In the evening, the royal family attended a grand state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Queen Camilla and Princess Kate adorned new tiaras from the royal vaults, adding a touch of regal glamour to the occasion.
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