World | Princess of Wales steals the show as South Korean state visit starts

The British royal family are playing host to the UK’s first state visit since King Charles III’s coronation.

Putting on all the pomp and pageantry the Brits are known for, carriages were used and a procession took place down The Mall to welcome South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales donned colours of the South Korean flag for their outfits, with Kate stealing the show in an exquisite look.

The Princess of Wales wore a red Catherine Walker cape coat on top of a coat by the designer that the royal has been spotted wearing before.

She accessorised her intricate up-do with a matching hat by Jane Taylor and wore Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond drop earrings.

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There was also a matching suede red clutch and pointed toe pumps to round out the ensemble.

Camilla wore a blue coat and dress by Anna Valentine, along with a matching feathered headpiece by Philip Treacy.

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There was also a sapphire and diamond brooch pinned to her chest, which once belonged to Queen Mary.

King Charles and Prince William both opted for simple navy suits for the start of the three-day visit.

Before the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, Prince of Wales and Kate greeted the president and first lady at their hotel and accompanied them to Whitehall.

It’s understood the two couples chatted away during the car ride, with reports the royals ran their guest through what was about to take place.

The guard of honour gave the royal salute and both national anthems were played.

As the UK prime minister watched on, King Charles invited Yoon to inspect the guards before everyone returned to Buckingham Palace in carriages.

The Prince and Princess of Wales this time accompanied South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyung-ho in the Scottish State Coach.

Queen Camilla and the first lady travelled in the Australian State Coach behind their husbands, who travelled together in the Irish State Coach.

The royals and their guests enjoyed a private lunch together, ahead of a state banquet at the palace in the evening.

Following lunch, the president and first lady were invited to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the royal collection relating to the Republic of Korea.

The Duke of Gloucester then stepped in, taking the President and first lady to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial, to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.

The couple then headed to Westminster Abbey, where they lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

While it marks the second state visit of the King’s reign it’s the first since his May coronation.

Previously, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa came to the UK for a two-day visit last November.