British royal family to greet Xi with an elaborate welcome

World Today

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be received with the greatest courtesy by the British royal family during his state visit to the United Kingdom, at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II, from October 19th to 23rd.

Buckingham Palace officials have revealed details of the reception that awaits the Chinese president.

Xi’s visit will be the second state visit to the U.K. this year. Normally, there are two state visits each year, which imply the highest level of welcome at Buckingham Palace.

Photo:CRI

 

Photo:CRI

Laura King, the palace’s news officer, said a ceremonial welcome, including a Horse Guards Parade, will be staged on the first day. Then Xi and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan will head for Buckingham Palace on a royal carriage along with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, escorted by a state carriage procession.

After a private lunch with the royal family members in the blue drawing room, Xi will attend a specially-prepared exhibition of China-related items from the royal collection in the gallery.

Photo:CRI

 

Photo:CRI

In the evening, the Queen will host a state banquet for President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan. Laura said the Queen has taken much personal interest in the banquet and is overseeing details such as the menu, bouquets and tableware.

The Queen is very much looking forward to her Chinese guests’ visit, Laura said.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, has witnessed ties between the two countries advance tremendously since the 1980s. She, along with her husband, had traveled to China on a state visit in 1986, when the couple was received by then Chinese leaders Deng Xiaoping and Li Xiannian.

Photo:CRI

 

Photo:CRI

President Xi’s UK visit, which is expected to lead to the inking of deals worth a “huge amount,” will initiate “a golden era” in Beijing’s relations with London, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

STORY BY CCTV NEWS.