South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Tshepo Motsepe will make a state visit to Britain in November, the first organized by King Charles III since his accession to the throne, Buckingham Palace said.
“The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Tshepo Motsepe, accepted the invitation of His Majesty the King for a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Tuesday 22 November until Thursday 24 November 2022,” the Palace said in a statement.
“The King and Queen Consort will host the state visit to Buckingham Palace,” it added.
It will be the first state visit to London since King Charles III took the throne following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, on September 8.
The South African leader’s visit was announced at a time of uncertainty about the new king’s first official trip abroad. His presence was expected in Egypt for the COP27 international climate summit, but, according to the British press, Prime Minister Liz Truss was opposed.
As head of state, the king organizes lavish state visits, inviting world leaders on the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
