State and official visits to the United Kingdom

In addition, official visits to the United Kingdom by another Commonwealth realm are typically performed by their respective governor general, who in that capacity are usually in the country for an audience with the King.

Queen Victoria hosted Napoleon III for a state visit at Windsor Castle in 1855, although it consisted of more informal arrangements.

Very few formal state visits to the country took place prior to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II in the 20th century.

If it takes place on Horse Guards Parade, then the foreign guest and the King travel to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession escorted by a large number of mounted soldiers from the Household Cavalry.

[9] During the lattermost visit, the guard of honour was provided by the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, a unit of which she is Colonel in Chief.

[12] The visiting head of state, upon the King's request, may also be given the chance to give an address to both chambers of the British Parliament assembled on the halls of the House of Lords in joint session.

He/she addresses members of both chambers on the importance of political, military, economic and cultural ties shared by his/her home country with the millions of people of the United Kingdom.

The first foreign dignitary to undertake such a reception was French President Albert Lebrun in March 1939 and most recently was under taken by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.

[13] State dinners are held at Buckingham Palace in London and on occasion at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, should the visitors stay there.

Around 150 guests are invited to the white tie event at the ballroom in Buckingham Palace for the banquet, which is an area that has a max capacity of 170 diners.

During the dinner, honours and decorations of both heads of state are worn and both speeches are checked extensively by the Foreign office.

Alcoholic drinks come from the Government Wine Cellar, while the food is prepared by chefs of the Royal Household.