Typically, the visit will involve a full ceremonial welcome from a royal guest (or their representative) at a state ceremony, including a review of a military guard of honour and the playing of both the host country’s and visiting country’s national anthems by a military band. The guest is also formally introduced to senior officials/representatives from the host government.
During the visit, the guest will meet with senior members of the government and the monarch, in addition to taking part in any official visits. The visit can also include a parliamentary element, which may involve the guest making a speech to both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall. In a parliamentary democracy, it is the Speakers of both Houses that make the decision whether to invite a head of state to address Parliament during a State Visit.
During the visit, the guest will receive a state banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, which is usually the location of the state visits hosted by the British Royal Family. Buckingham Palace is usually not used for state visits unless the guest is a very senior figure, such as a foreign head of state or the pope. Donald Trump received a state visit invitation from King Charles III during his first term in office, although it is customary that second-term presidents are not invited for a state visit, instead being offered tea or lunch with the monarch. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with the invitation during his meeting with him in the Oval Office, and he accepted it straight away.
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