King Charles hosted a reception for world leaders at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the Queen’s funeral.
Presidents, prime ministers and members of the royal family from around the world gathered as guests of the monarch for the event on Sunday evening.
President Joe Biden, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, is greeted by Housekeeper Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt at Buckingham Palace
(Associated Press)
US President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, were among some 500 people spread across the main halls of the palace.
The couple arrived in the presidential car known as La Bestia, in the middle of a convoy of vehicles, at the back of the palace, shortly before 6 p.m.
Members of the president’s entourage mingled with household staff and police along the palace lawn as the reception was held inside.
Between 200 and 250 leaders were invited, most coming with their wives, including French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron.
Emannuel and Brigitte Macron arrive at the reception
(PA wire)
Queen Rania Al-Abdullaj of Jordan
(AP)
The Prince and Princess of Wales and other acting members of the Royal Family, including the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, have accompanied Charles and the queen consort to live with the guests.
Dozens of leaders from Commonwealth countries and members of foreign royal families also attended the reception.
At least 10 busloads of guests arrived, solemnly entering the palace.
Some leaders were seen greeting each other while others remained silent as they climbed the steps.
Ursula von der Leyen and her husband Heiko upon their arrival
(AP)
This is Liz Truss’s first official meeting of world leaders as Prime Minister
(PA wire)
Most of the guests were all dressed in black, while some wore traditional clothing from their country.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel arrived by bus with several leaders from Commonwealth countries at the grand entrance.
They were joined by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who entered the palace, followed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who smiled briefly at reporters.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was also among the guests at the event which took place in the Paintings Gallery, White Room, Blue Room and Music Room.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also attended the event.
(POOL/AFP/Getty)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs the book of condolences at Lancaster House
(David Parry Media Assignments/PA Wire)
Among the guests who arrived in their own vehicles and passed through the entrance to the Bow Room at the rear of the palace were the Bidens, Prime Minister Liz Truss, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, arrived in a car with former King and Queen Consort of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofia.
The three were among dozens of other dignitaries who entered through the grand entrance at the front of the palace.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
(PENNSYLVANIA)
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
(PENNSYLVANIA)
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan arrived in their own vehicle at the grand entrance and were followed by their son, Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan, who also traveled in his own vehicle.
Moments later, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa were also invited, soon joined by Kuwait Crown Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Sultan of Oman was also seen arriving at the palace, while the ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum arrived soon after.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark were among those who arrived by bus.
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