south african state visit to london

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• International
• Foreign affairs

Announcement of the UK State Visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

The British High Commission in Pretoria welcomes the news that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay a State Visit to the UK.

The British High Commission in Pretoria has welcomed the news that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom to meet The King and The Queen Consort.

This is the first invitation of a State Visit made by His Majesty King Charles III.

British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:

I am delighted that President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Dr Tshepo Motsepe, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty King Charles III to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Tuesday, 22 November to Thursday, 24 November 2022. The King and The Queen Consort will host the State Visit at Buckingham Palace. This will be the first State Visit hosted by His Majesty. It reflects the importance of the relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. The visit will offer a chance to celebrate our modern-day partnerships delivering prosperity and security for both countries, as well as to set out how we can work together bilaterally and globally to strengthen those links for the future.

Over the next few weeks the British High Commission will work closely with the Presidency, the Department for International Relations and Cooperation, and the South African government to finalise the details of the President’s State Visit.

His Majesty The King has visited South Africa on a number of occasions. His Majesty’s first visit was to Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from 31 October to 5 November 1997. The King and The Queen Consort also visited Pretoria and Johannesburg from 2 to 6 November 2011. The King and Queen Consort also attended the funeral of President Nelson Mandela on 15 December 2013.

Her Late Majesty The Queen invited President Nelson Mandela to pay a State Visit to the UK in July 1996. She also invited President Thabo Mbeki to pay a State Visit to the UK in June 2001, and President Jacob Zuma to pay a State Visit to the UK in March 2010.

The press release from Buckingham Palace announcing the State Visit can be found here: Announcement of the State Visit by the President of South Africa ( PDF , 156 KB , 2 pages ) .

Further details of the State Visit programme will be announced in due course.

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The South African state visit day two: the full schedule, from meeting Rishi Sunak to an outing with Prince Edward  

By Stephanie Bridger-Linning

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, King Charles III and the Queen Consort during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace 

The State Carriage proceeds along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace

By Isaac Bickerstaff

By Harriet Johnston

King Charles III and the Queen Consort yesterday welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to the UK, in the first state visit since the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The first day of President Ramaphosa's two-day state visit was packed with engagements, from the pomp and ceremony of a procession down The Mall, to a glittering state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Here, the schedule in full: 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at Stansted airport in London

President Ramaphosa arrived privately in the UK on Monday, beginning the first South African state visit since President Jacob Zuma in 2010. The last foreign leader to be hosted on a state visit was President Donald Trump in 2019. 

President Ramaphosa was formally welcomed to the UK on Tuesday morning by the Prince and Princess of Wales who greeted him on behalf of the King at the five-star Corinthia Hotel, in London, which has hosted everyone from Beyoncé to former President Bill Clinton.

The Prince and Princess of Wales pose with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Corinthia Hotel in London

They accompanied him to Horse Guards Parade, where the president received a ceremonial welcome by the King and the Queen Consort at the Royal Pavilion. Presentations were made, the Guard of Honour gave a Royal Salute and the South African National Anthem was played. The president, accompanied by the king, inspected the Guard of Honour, found by Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards. 

Cyril Ramaphosa is greeted by King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade

King Charles III and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa attend the Horse Guards Parade during his welcome ceremony

Kate, 40, proved her penchant for purple as she donned a dresscoat from British fashion powerhouse, Emilia Wickstead, the princess oozed modern regal glamour in the rousing maroon ensemble, paired with a coordinating pillbox hat and suede Gianvvitto Rossi pumps. For the occasion, the Princess of Wales opted for a sparkling diamond, ruby and emerald brooch with a poignant royal history. 

The Queen Consort of the United Kingdom arrives for the Horse Guards Parade

Afterwards, the president joined the King and the Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, for a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they were met by a second Guard of Honour found by 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. Following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, given by the King, His Majesty invited the president to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

The Princess and Prince of Wales are seen arriving at Buckingham Palace

The Queen Consort, King Charles III and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa arrive at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace during a state visit

Later the president visited Westminster Abbey, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The president toured the abbey, which included the memorial stone for Nelson Mandela, who served as President of South Africa between 1994 and 1999. At the Palace of Westminster, the president was welcomed by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. The president delivered an Address in the Royal Gallery to Members of Houses of Parliament and other guests.

King Charles III and the Queen Consort show South African President Cyril Ramaphosa items, including a photograph of President Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla look at a chess set, which was a gift in 1996 from anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela to late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh

The centrepiece of the visit was last night's state banquet, which was attended by the King and Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. 

State banquets are a highlight in the calendar for any royal watcher as they are one of the rare occasions on which royal women wear tiaras. The Princess of Wales, who has a number of priceless headpieces at her disposal, opted for the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara. The jewellery paired exquisitely with Kate’s elegant gown, a white cape dress with sequin shoulder embellishments by one of her go-to designers, Jenny Packham.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at the Houses of Parliament 

The Queen Consort looked regal in a blue Bruce Oldfield gown with elegant lace sleeves, previously worn on a state visit to Rwanda in June, but all eyes were on her exquisite jewellery. Camilla wore the late Queen Elizabeth’s sapphire suite,  The Court Jeweller notes, which was a wedding gift from her father, King George VI. The necklace and bracelets dazzled on the Queen Consort’s arm, perfectly complementing the colour of her gown. She finished the look with her favourite Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet and, of course, her tiara. 

The Princess of Wales during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

The Princess of Wales during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace 

Such events are conducted with military precision, with thousands of glasses and pieces of crockery meticulously laid out on tables, and a carefully curated menu prepared by the finest chefs in the royal household.

The Queen Consort during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace 

On Wednesday morning, the president will be joined by the Earl of Wessex for a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

The president and Prince Edward will then visit the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research centre that works across academia, medicine and industry to understand the biology behind health and disease. Afterwards, President Ramaphosa will travel to No. 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.

The president will return to Buckingham Palace to formally bid farewell to the King, before receiving a call by the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer. In the evening the president, joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, will attend a banquet at the Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation.

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By Isaac Zamet

By Ben Jureidini

President Cyril Ramaphosa embarks on State Visit to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 22 to 23 Nov

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, at the invitation of His Majesty, King Charles III, conduct a State Visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) from 22 to 23 November 2022. Royal State Visits are the highest honor bestowed on a country by the United Kingdom in the furtherance of bilateral relations and as a symbol of respect and of the importance the UK ascribes to its relations with a particular country. President Ramaphosa is the first Head of State to be hosted for a State Visit by His Majesty Charles III. Since 1994, bilateral relations between South Africa and the UK have grown into a strategic developmental partnership, as reflected in substantial bilateral trade. Politically, the countries have over the years frequently collaborated in various multilateral organisations to advance shared ideals and objectives, including in the G20 and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The visit provides an opportunity for South Africa and the UK to identify new areas of collaboration in advancing economic recovery and stability and reaffirming the solid foundation between the two countries. This is the first meeting at this level after the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and comes at a time when the economies of many countries, including South Africa and the UK, are affected by the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and by the consequences of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. During the visit, President Ramaphosa will also hold official talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to review a range of issues of a bilateral, continental and global nature. Key sectors under consideration for mutual benefit and to support economic growth and development in South Africa include infrastructure development, mining, energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, business process outsourcing and tourism. Bilateral relations between South Africa and the UK are managed through the Bilateral Forum, which was established in 1997. The forum meets biennially at the foreign ministerial level. The most recent meeting was the 12th Session, which was held on the side-lines of the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in May 2021 in the United Kingdom. In 2021, the UK was the 13th most important supplier of South Africa’s imports and the 5th largest exports destination of South Africa’s products globally after China, USA, Germany and Japan. In 2021, South Africa was the 17th largest supplier of United Kingdom’s imports globally and the first largest supplier of United Kingdom’s imports from Africa. In 2021, South Africa was the 34th exports destination for United Kingdom’s exports globally and the 1st exports destination for United Kingdom’s exports to Africa. Bilateral trade reached the highest peak in 2021 for the ten-year period under review, at R148.4 billion, after falling from R138.6 billion in 2018 to R79.2 billion in 2019. Bilateral trade recovered by 21.8% to R96.5 billion in 2020 from 2019 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Bilateral Trade between South Africa and the United Kingdom increased during the two years of 2020 and 2021. The overall objective of the visit for both South Africa and the United Kingdom is to create new impetus in the strengthening of the historically deep and strong bilateral relationship, by elaborating on existing cooperation projects and identifying new areas of cooperation.  To achieve this, the following overarching themes have been identified to guide the substantive engagements of the visit:

• Trade, Investment and Inclusive Economic Growth (including infrastructure investment)
• Climate Change and Energy
• Education and Skills Development
• Science and Innovation.

Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperation in Science and Innovation and also on Health Cooperation will be signed during the State Visit The UK is South Africa’s number one source of long-haul tourism in the world, a position it has not relinquished for the past 19 years. UK tourists to South Africa have a very high repeat visitor rate and 67% of visitors who have been to South Africa return for a second visit. Bilateral relations between South Africa and the UK remain strong covering a range of areas of cooperation linked to both Governments’ priorities.   The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade and Industry and Competition, Health and Higher Education, Science and Innovation.   President Ramaphosa's contribution to the advancement agenda of the African continent leading African Union Covid response 

• As AU Chair in 2020, President Ramaphosa led the continental response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing a continent-wide strategy, setting up innovative online platforms to provide access for all countries to essential medical supplies, mobilising international funding and securing vaccines.
• The President led the continent’s effort to secure over 500 million COVID vaccine doses for the continent.
• Under the President stewardship the African Pandemic Response Fund was established, to date it has mobilised $137 million for local production of vaccines, diagnostics, personal protective equipment, oxygen and critical medicines.
• The President guided the launch of the Africa Medical Supplies Platform, ensuring sufficient and affordable access for all African countries to vital COVID supplies.  

Leading the Lesotho electoral reform process In December 2014, SADC entrusted President Ramaphosa, who was serving as the country’s Deputy President at the time with the task of Facilitator in the Kingdom of Lesotho to assist with the promotion of peace and stability and constitutional reform. The President used his experience of South Africa’s transition to democracy to kick start an inclusive and consultative process. After his election as President of South Africa, President Ramaphosa, appointed Retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke to lead the Facilitation Team. With the President’s guidance the Facilitation Team promoted an open and transparent dialogue, to allow the Basotho to express their own views about the Lesotho they want. The National Dialogue that followed established the National Reforms Authority which presented the Draft Eleventh Constitutional Amendment Act – the Omnibus Bill – to the 10th Parliament before its dissolution in July 2022. The reforms contained in the Draft Omnibus Bill have laid a solid foundation for the future of the Basotho. Recently the people of Lesotho demonstrated their shared determination to restore peace and stability and to forge a just and prosperous future for the Kingdom by holding successful elections on 7 October 2022 that resulted in the election of His Excellency Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. With the completion of the work of the SADC Facilitation Team, President Ramaphosa is confident that the Government of Lesotho and all stakeholders will give the same support and cooperation to the Oversight Committee that was established by the 42nd SADC Summit to oversee the implementation of the national reforms.     Intervention support to Mozambique President Ramaphosa remains pleased with the progress being made in pushing back the insurgents in the Cabo Delgado area of the Republic of Mozambique. President Ramaphosa has been a leading voice in ensuring that SADC reaffirms its total commitment to supporting the people of Mozambique. The President has also mobilised international commitment and solidarity by advocating for more resources to aid the government of Mozambique. In several bilateral engagements with the leaders of the developed economy countries the President has consistently placed global support for the resolution of the security situation in Mozambique firmly on the agenda and he will continue to do so during the upcoming talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.   Other notable contributions As African Union Chair in 2020, President Ramaphosa championed the adoption of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Recently President Ramaphosa was honoured with an award as part of the AU Circle of Champions for ending violence against women and girls. The award was handed over at the second African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, which unfortunately the President could not attend.  In his recorded video message The President expressed South Africa’s unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence and empowering the women on our continent.  He further called on African Heads of State to put in place mechanisms for the AU Fund on Ending Violence Against Women as one of the priority areas of the Kinshasa Declaration.     DRC President Ramaphosa remains engaged in ensuring continued support to efforts to restore peace and stability in the Eastern DRC, through South Africa’s contribution to MONUSCO and other diplomatic efforts. Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic President Ramaphosa has remained a consistent voice against Morocco’s illegal occupation of the Western Sahara which he has a described as a matter of concern to both Africa and the international community. The President has stated that until the people of Western Sahara are able to exercise their right to self-determination, the decolonisation of Africa will be incomplete. Advocating for the lifting of sanctions in Zimbabwe President Ramaphosa continues to be the leading voice calling for the urgent lifting of sanctions that are crippling Zimbabwe and its economy.   Guarding Africa’s development interest and advancing the continent’s Trade and Investment agenda In his visit to the United States in September, President Ramaphosa presented a compelling argument against the proposed “Countering Malign Russian Activities Bill” where he cautioned about the unintended consequences of punishing Africa for efforts to advance development and growth. The President further highlighted the importance of renewing AGOA as a vital measure to ensure progress made over many years to strengthen trade and investment ties between Africa and the United States. In all international bilateral and multilateral engagements President Ramaphosa has firmly advanced Africa’s interest by promoting the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which he believes will place the economies of Africa on a new trajectory of development and production. The President has called for partnerships on Africa’s Just Transition in accordance with global equity and national circumstances and enabled through international support. This is a call he reiterated recently at the G20 summit and at COP 27. President Ramaphosa will continue to work tirelessly to promote Africa’s development interest in all multilateral platforms including the BRICS and the G20 which South Africa will chair respectively in 2023 and 2025. President Ramaphosa believes that South Africa’s own envisaged peace and prosperity for all that leaves no one behind, is inextricably tied to the rest of Africa’s fortunes. Thus the promotion of increased intra Africa trade will remain a key pillar of South Africa’s trade diplomacy within the continent.     COP27 Outcomes The Conference of Parties (COP 27) outcomes reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to keep the 1.5-degree temperature target alive during what the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls the “Critical Decade”, including by providing a clear programme to advance the mitigation agenda from now to 2026. The key milestone for COP27 was the agreement on financial arrangements to address loss and damage due to climate change. COP27 agreed to set up a Fund on loss and damage. It established a Transitional Committee to work on the modalities of this fund with a view of taking a decision at the next COP28.   COP27 also called for increased momentum to reform the Multilateral Development Banks and International Financial Institutions and we expect the shareholders of these institutions to take decisive action to scale-up climate finance in 2023 and make their institutional arrangements fit for purpose.   COP27 recognizes the urgency of finding a solution for developing countries for loss and damage caused by climate change and agrees to establish new financing arrangements and a mechanism to address this.   There was also agreement amongst Parties to accelerate work on reducing vulnerability of societies due to climate change impacts.  Although South Africa did not see an advancement that it had hoped to achieve on operationalizing the global goal on adaptation. South Africa had called for COP 27 to establish a framework for GGA that contains high level indicators and targets to galvanize collective global action and support. For example, South Africa sough an agreement on a target to build resilience of global population by 50% in 2030 in developing countries. The outcome on adaptation was disappointing as it emphasized more on building understanding in critical sectors such as health, poverty and livelihoods; Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems; Oceans and coasts; Water resource management; Food; Cities and settlements; Cultural heritage and Mountain regions and biodiversity. Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President Cell: 082 835 6315

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Kate Middleton and Prince William Welcome South African President for First State Visit of New Reign

The Prince and Princess of Wales are helping to host the President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa of King Charles III's reign

Kate Middleton and Prince William took on an important royal role for the first state visit of King Charles III's reign.

The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the first meeting of his trip to the U.K. Prince William and Kate, both 40, were called upon to do the initial welcome at London's Corinthia Hotel in their roles as next-in-line to the throne.

Kate accessorized her purple ensemble with the Princess of Wales Feather Brooch, marking the first time she's worn the piece since receiving her new title. The pendant has been worn by a number of royal women holding the title of Princess of Wales — including William's mother, Princess Diana — since it was made as a wedding gift for Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863.

They then joined their visitor for a drive to Horse Guards Parade, where the full pageantry of the British state was on display. There, King Charles III with his wife Queen Camilla made the official welcome to President Ramaphosa. The Guard of Honour gave a royal salute and the South African national anthem was played before King Charles and President Ramaphosa inspected the troops.

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In Green Park, across the road from Buckingham Palace, there was a spectacular Royal Gun Salute from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, at 12:10 p.m. local time.

Although the president's wife, First Lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, was announced to accompany her husband during the trip to the U.K. when the visit was announced in October , she did not join him.

President Ramaphosa's trip marks the first state visit of King Charles' reign. It is the first to the U.K. since then-U.S. President Donald Trump was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2019.

The visit is designed to help build on the close ties and friendship between the two countries. This state visit was already being prepared before Queen Elizabeth 's death in September — and there is a poignancy to the links, as she made one of the most important speeches of her life there, when she vowed on her 21st birthday to devote her life to the service of the country and the Commonwealth.

Later on Tuesday, after several visits around London, President Ramaphosa will be the guest of honor at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, when jewelry, tiaras and the glittering pomp of the palace will be on show.

The palace gave a sneak peek at the preparations for the banquet, sharing a video from the kitchens, where staff were in the throes of preparing the food — and edible table adornments. They showed the creation of a decoration in the shape of the national flower of South Africa, the Protea.

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It shows that the palace is getting back to some kind of normality — not only in light of the late Queen's death and the COVID-19 pandemic but also of the ongoing renovation work at Buckingham Palace that has been underway for more than three years.

Kate attended her first state banquet in 2015, helping Queen Elizabeth host the President of China, Xi Jinping, and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan.

Early on Tuesday, the royal family's official social media pages shared a video highlighting their relationship with South Africa through the years, including photos of the late Queen Elizabeth with Nelson Mandela, who was the country's president from 1994 to 1999.

Another sweet photo featured the then- Prince Charles with his son Prince Harry during a visit to Dukuduku in 1997, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also featured in photos from their 2018 tour in Africa.

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King Charles III welcomes S. African leader for state visit

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa shakes hands with Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort during for a welcome ceremony at Horse Guards, in London, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa attend the Horse Guards Parade during his welcome ceremony at Horse Guards, in London, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III shakes hands with Home Secretary Suella Braverman at Horse Guards Parade in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, ahead of the two day state visit of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Yui Mok/Pool via AP)

Britain’s Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales greet South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Corinthia Hotel in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, at the start of the president’s two day state visit. (Justin Tallis/Pool via AP)

Members of the Number 7 Company of the Coldstream Guards on parade at Horse Guards Parade in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, ahead of the state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Yui Mok/Pool via AP)

Britain’s Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales await President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa for his welcome ceremony at Horse Guards, in London, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, third from left, looks on during a state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Toby Melville/Pool photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, right, Camilla, the Queen Consort and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa view a display of South African items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reacts as he visits Westminster Abbey accompanied by the Dean Of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend David Hoyle, as part of his state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool photo via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, left, accompanied by the Dean Of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend David Hoyle, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior during a tour of Westminster Abbey as part of his state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool photo via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, left, and Dean Of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend David Hoyle, stand next to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior during a tour of Westminster Abbey as part of his state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, left, look at a chess set which was a gift from President Nelson Mandela to Prince Philip in 1996, in a display of South African items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, second right, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, right, view a display of South African items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, right, view a display of South African items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, right, visits Westminster Abbey accompanied by the Dean Of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend David Hoyle, as part of his state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool photo via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reacts at the Houses of Parliament during a state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Toby Melville/Pool photo via AP)

Britain’s Prince William, right, and Kate, Princess of Wales escort Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, third right, during a visit to view items, including a a chess set, which was a gift from President Nelson Mandela to Prince Philip in 1996, as part of a display of South African items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, left, view a display of South African items from the Royal Collection, including a photograph of President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, during the two day state visit to the UK by the South African president. (Dan Kitwood/Pool via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a speech at the Houses of Parliament during a state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Toby Melville/Pool photo via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, left, visits Westminster Abbey accompanied by the Dean Of Westminster Abbey The Very Reverend David Hoyle, as part of his state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool photo via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at the Houses of Parliament during a state visit, in London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022. (Toby Melville/Pool photo via AP)

The State Carriage carrying Britain’s King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa makes its way along The Mall toward Buckingham Palace, London, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022, at the start of the president’s two day state visit. (Carl Court/Pool via AP)

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LONDON (AP) — King Charles III welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to London on Tuesday for the first state visit of his reign, which will include a formal banquet as well as talks with government leaders focused on investment and green energy.

Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, greeted Ramaphosa during a ceremony on Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace. William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, also attended.

The visit was organized before the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a nod to her longtime devotion to the Commonwealth. The last state visit by a South African leader was in 1996, when Nelson Mandela was honored two years after he became South Africa’s first Black president.

Ramaphosa addressed a joint session of the U.K. Parliament on Tuesday, urging U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to triple the number of South Africans studying in the U.K. to build business ties. He spoke in Parliament’s Royal Gallery, becoming the first South African president to address lawmakers since Mandela in 1996.

“There are few countries that have the depth of experience and knowledge of the South African economy than Britain,’' he said. “British companies need to use this advantage to greater effect to seek out opportunities in our country for investment and trade.”

On the agenda are opportunities for British companies to take part in up to 5.4 billion pounds ($6.4 billion) of infrastructure projects over the three years, Britain’s Foreign Office said. Britain will also provide funding for technical and vocational education in hopes of spurring the development of green technology and electric car manufacturing in South Africa.

“South Africa is already the U.K.’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together,” Sunak said before Ramaphosa arrived.

On Tuesday night, Charles will preside over his first state banquet as monarch, held in honor of the South African president at Buckingham Palace. They will be joined by Camilla and other members of the royal family, including William and Kate.

On the menu is grilled brill with wild mushrooms, and truffles; a ballotine of Windsor pheasant filled with artichokes, quince compote and port sauce, vegetables and a selection of wines.

South African High Commissioner Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo hailed the importance of the state visit after speaking to the king when Charles visited an exhibition of South African fashion a few weeks ago in London.

“The important thing is that the king has focused for his first visit, to be with Africa, South Africa, and the Commonwealth,” Mamabolo said.

Follow all AP stories on British politics at https://apnews.com/hub/united-kingdom.

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King welcomes South African leader on first state visit of his reign

Cyril ramaphosa was greeted by the king and queen consort on horse guards parade., article bookmarked.

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The King’s reign has passed another milestone with Charles welcoming a foreign leader for an official state visit for the first time.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was warmly greeted by the monarch and the Queen Consort on a chilly Horse Guards Parade as he began a two-day state visit to the UK.

National figures had gathered in the royal pavilion for the pomp and pageantry of the ceremonial welcome with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined by senior members of the Cabinet, as well as the Lord Mayor of London , Nicholas Lyons, and the Defence Chiefs of Staff.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were part of events for the first time, travelling to Mr Ramaphosa’s luxury hotel in nearby central London and accompanying him to Horse Guards Parade for the start of the ceremonial welcome.

More than 1,000 soldiers and over 230 horses took part in the ceremonial event and waiting on the parade ground were two immaculate lines of Foot Guards from Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards.

Nearby in their gleaming breast plates and plumed helmets were the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – Life Guards and Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Robert Perera of the Blues and Royals.

Former President Donald Trump’s state visit in 2019 was the most recent by a world leader but his welcome was staged in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, so the official visit by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2019 was the last time a full ceremonial welcome was staged on Horse Guards Parade.

Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Headquarters Household Division, who delivered the military ceremonial spectacle, said: “The state visit is a historic first: our first state visit for His Majesty the King and the President of South Africa, the first state visit in London since 2019, the first processional state visit on Horse Guards since 2018, and the first for almost everyone on parade.”

He added: “A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for the visit and we are very proud to support such an important national occasion.”

The visit was marked by the Prime Minister announcing the UK and South Africa will join forces to “turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together”.

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched on Tuesday, supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years, said Downing Street.

Mr Sunak said: “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

“I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.”

There is said to be much excitement and anticipation at Buckingham Palace as the royal household prepares for the first state visit since 2019 but the reservicing work at the royal residence has meant the South African leader could not stay at the London landmark.

Work for the South African state visit began during the late Queen’s reign and the King was said to have been delighted to continue with the plans.

The pomp and ceremony began as soon as the president’s motorcade first arrived at Horse Guards Parade with the King’s Life Guard, positioned on Whitehall, giving a salute.

Mr Ramaphosa’s limousine crossed the open space overlooked by Wellington’s former office and as he stepped onto the royal pavilion to be greeted by the King, gun salutes were fired across London.

In nearby Green Park, 41 volleys were fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and 62 were fired at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company – an extra 21 for the City of London.

The Captain of the Guard of Honour, Major Andrew Dickinson of Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards, marched forward and asked the South African President: “The Guard of Honour from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards is formed up and awaiting your inspection. May I have your permission to accompany you, Sir, please?”

Mr Ramaphosa was joined by the King as he cast his eye over the troops walking a few steps behind his guest as he inspected the soldiers.

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Prince William and Kate play major role in first state visit of King Charles' reign - best photos

President cyril ramaphosa is in london.

The Prince and Princess of Wales  greeted President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla on Tuesday.

This state visit is the first for King Charles as monarch as he welcomes the president of South Africa to the UK. The special two-day occasion sees Prince William and Princess Kate step up to play a major part in the important diplomatic event .

WATCH: Prince William and Kate welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

The royal couple greeted the president at his London hotel on behalf of the King, travelled with him to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome with King Charles, and joined the carriage procession back to the Palace.

MORE: Why Princess Kate won't wear Diana's iconic tiara at first banquet as Princess of Wales

The South African First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, did not accompany the president on the trip. She is said to be recovering from eye surgery and was advised by doctors not to travel.

The royal couple have greeted President Cyril Ramaphosa

For the appearance, Princess Kate looked immaculate for the poignant occasion, braving the chilly autumn weather in an elegant tailored coat.

MORE: 10 times Princess Kate dazzled in show-stopping tiaras

The royal's silhouette-skimming coat was crafted from rich burgundy wool, which she paired perfectly with sleek pointed-toe heels and the Princess of Wales' feather brooch - a royal heirloom gifted to the late Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles in 1981. 

Prince William and Kate with President Cyril Ramaphosa

The 40-year-old royal's enviable brunette tresses were styled in loose curls that framed her pretty features, cascading past her shoulders under a chic pillbox hat adorned with an oversized bow. 

Following the greeting, Prince William and Kate tweeted: "A pleasure to welcome President @CyrilRamaphosa to the UK."

READ: Damage to King Charles' Balmoral estate revealed in warning to visitors

Princess Kate looked immaculate for the poignant occasion

National figures had gathered in the royal pavilion for the pomp and pageantry of the ceremonial welcome with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined by senior members of the Cabinet, as well as the Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the Defence Chiefs of Staff.

The Princess of Wales seen stepping out of her car

More than 1,000 soldiers and over 230 horses took part in the ceremonial event and waiting on the parade ground were two immaculate lines of Foot Guards from Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards.

President Cyril Ramaphosa greeted by King Charles and the Queen Consort

Nearby in their gleaming breast plates and plumed helmets were the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – Life Guards and Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Robert Perera of the Blues and Royals.

King Charles shook hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Headquarters Household Division, who delivered the military ceremonial spectacle, said: "The state visit is a historic first: our first state visit for His Majesty the King and the President of South Africa, the first state visit in London since 2019, the first processional state visit on Horse Guards since 2018, and the first for almost everyone on parade."

The party inspect a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome 

He added: "A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for the visit and we are very proud to support such an important national occasion."

King Charles and President Cyril Ramaphosa attend the Horse Guards Parade

The visit was marked by the Prime Minister announcing the UK and South Africa will join forces to "turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together".

The King later hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace

On his return from Horse Guards, the King, 74, hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace and then invited him to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Africa.

The King hosted the president at a private lunch at Buckingham Palace

At Buckingham Palace, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in the second carriage – the Australian State Coach – with Dr Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of International Relations.

The Princess of Wales arrived in the second carriage

William headed to the Grand Entrance first, followed by Kate, who walked behind, before the pair stopped to wait for Dr Pandor, with Kate smiling at their guest before accompanying her through the main door of the royal residence.

Camilla, Charles and Cyril arrive at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace

In the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery after lunch, the King and Queen Consort showed the South African president around an exhibition of Royal Collection artefacts.

Cyril Ramaphosa picked up a photograph of the late Queen side by side with Mr Mandela at the state banquet in the Palace in 1996, saying: "This lovely picture." The King remarked, "You were lucky to have known both," with the president agreeing.

The King and Queen Consort showed the South African president around the exhibition

The president later said the words, "Welcome Back," out loud with a smile as he looked at the late Queen's message to Nelson Mandela upon South Africa re-joining the Commonwealth in 1994.

The congratulatory phrase featured in the message from the late Queen. Charles also showed the president a letter written by the Queen to President Mandela in 1995, adding: "Here's a copy of the letter." Mr Ramaphosa remarked: "Oh yes, yes 1995."

Mr Ramaphosa was shown a letter by the Queen to Nelson Mandela

Ahead of the visit, the official Twitter account for the royal family tweeted: "Looking forward to welcoming @PresidencyZA today!

" The Royal Family will celebrate their enduring relationship with South Africa over the next two days, as His Majesty The King hosts The President on behalf of the Nation."

South African flags and Union Jacks decorate The Mall ahead of the state visit

Prince William and Princess Kate are later expected to attend the white tie banquet on Tuesday evening, with Kate and the Queen Consort wearing tiaras . Both the King and the president will make speeches.

The visit follows the traditional format adopted during the reign of the late Queen .

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Charles to host first state visit as King for South African president

The King will host the first inward state visit of his reign when he welcomes South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to the UK.

Charles will perform his duty as head of state and greet the foreign leader during a ceremony attended by the Queen Consort and Prince and Princess of Wales, and staged on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

On the day the two-day state visit by Mr Ramaphosa began, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the UK and South Africa will join forces to “turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together”.

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched on Tuesday, supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years, said Downing Street.

Mr Sunak said: “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

“I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.”

The state visit will see a series of firsts for the royal family who will take part in events over the coming two days as they host their guest Mr Ramaphosa.

Charles will preside over his first state banquet as monarch, held in honour of the president, and will be joined by the Queen Consort, with William and Kate expected to be part of the Buckingham Palace event for the first time in their new roles.

South Africa’s High Commissioner, Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, hailed the importance of the state visit after speaking to the King a few weeks ago when Charles visited an exhibition of South African fashion in London.

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Mr Mamabolo, who is expected to be among the state banquet guests, said: “The important thing is that the King has focused for his first visit, to be with Africa, South Africa, and the Commonwealth.”

During the welcoming ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, the president, accompanied by the King, will inspect the Guard of Honour, found by Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards.

Afterwards, spectators in The Mall will be treated to the sight of a carriage procession carrying Mr Ramaphosa, the King and Queen Consort and William and Kate.

Following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, given by Charles, the King will accompany the president as he views South African artefacts from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery.

King Charles pays tribute to Queen as he welcomes South African leader to UK

• South Africa
• Tuesday 22 November 2022 at 11:24pm

The visit by the president was was the first to be hosted by King Charles, as Chris Ship reports

The King paid tribute to the late Queen and her ties with South Africa as he hosted the nation’s president, saying she admired “its people, its vibrancy, natural beauty and diversity”.

Charles spoke about his mother’s long relationship with the Commonwealth nation during a banquet speech to mark South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s two-day state visit to the UK.

The King said: “The late Queen had the great pleasure of hosting Presidents Mandela, Mbeki and Zuma for State Visits to the United Kingdom, at all of which I was present.

"On each of those occasions, she expressed her admiration for your country and its people, its vibrancy, natural beauty and diversity.

“And she always talked warmly of her return to your country in 1995, as the guest of President Mandela, after the momentous events – driven from within South Africa and supported by so many around the world, including here in the United Kingdom – that brought democracy to your country.”

Charles also drew a gasp from the president who said “wow” when the King said “welcome” in six languages spoken in South Africa.

The meeting marked another milestone for Charles, as he welcomed a foreign leader for an official state visit for the first time as monarch.

National figures had gathered in the royal pavilion for the pomp and pageantry of the ceremonial welcome with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined by senior members of the Cabinet, as well as the Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the Defence Chiefs of Staff.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were part of events for the first time, travelling to Mr Ramaphosa’s luxury hotel in nearby central London and accompanying him to Horse Guards Parade for the start of the ceremonial welcome.

More than 1,000 soldiers and over 230 horses took part in the ceremonial event and waiting on the parade ground were two immaculate lines of Foot Guards from Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards.

Nearby in their gleaming breast plates and plumed helmets were the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – Life Guards and Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Robert Perera of the Blues and Royals.

Former US president Donald Trump’s state visit in 2019 was the most recent by a world leader but his welcome was staged in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, so the official visit by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2019 was the last time a full ceremonial welcome was staged on Horse Guards Parade.

Listen to the ITV News Royal Rota podcast

Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Headquarters Household Division, who delivered the military ceremonial spectacle, said: “The state visit is a historic first: our first state visit for His Majesty the King and the President of South Africa, the first state visit in London since 2019, the first processional state visit on Horse Guards since 2018, and the first for almost everyone on parade.”

He added: “A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for the visit and we are very proud to support such an important national occasion.”

The visit was marked by the prime minister announcing the UK and South Africa will join forces to “turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together”.

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched on Tuesday, supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years, said Downing Street.

Mr Sunak said: “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

“I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.” There is said to be much excitement and anticipation at Buckingham Palace as the royal household prepares for the first state visit since 2019 but the reservicing work at the royal residence has meant the South African leader could not stay at the London landmark.

Work for the South African state visit began during the late Queen’s reign and the King was said to have been delighted to continue with the plans. The pomp and ceremony began as soon as the president’s motorcade first arrived at Horse Guards Parade with the King’s Life Guard, positioned on Whitehall, giving a salute.

Mr Ramaphosa’s limousine crossed the open space overlooked by Wellington’s former office and as he stepped onto the royal pavilion to be greeted by the King, gun salutes were fired across London.

In nearby Green Park, 41 volleys were fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and 62 were fired at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company – an extra 21 for the City of London.

The Captain of the Guard of Honour, Major Andrew Dickinson of Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards, marched forward and asked the South African President: “The Guard of Honour from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards is formed up and awaiting your inspection. May I have your permission to accompany you, Sir, please?”

Mr Ramaphosa was joined by the King as he cast his eye over the troops walking a few steps behind his guest as he inspected the soldiers.

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King Charles to host President of South Africa for first state visit

The visit was reportedly in the early stages of planning before the queen's death in september.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London on September 18, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA

The President of South Africa and his wife will travel to the UK next month to be hosted by King Charles III, marking his first state visit as monarch.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tshepo Motsepe have accepted the invitation to attend Buckingham Palace in November.

Mr Ramaphosa’s visit will take place from November 22 to 24 and be hosted by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Buckingham Palace.

It is understood that the visit was in the early stages of planning before the queen’s death in September.

The king has visited South Africa several times since his first tour of the country, which included Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, in 1997.

His last trip was in 2011, when along with the Queen Consort, then the Duchess of Cornwall, he attended events including a speech on climate change at the University of Cape Town and a visit to the Black Rhino Range expansion project in Phinda Game Reserve.

They also attended the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where they were received by Graca Machel, the former president’s widow.

King Charles III hosts world leaders at Buckingham Palace reception - in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, on the eve of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. AP

King Charles was also at Mandela’s funeral in 2013, remarking that the world would be a “poorer place without him” and that he was owed “an enormous debt of gratitude for what he’s managed to achieve with his life”.

The king and the queen consort, then the prince of Wales and duchess of Cornwall, also welcomed President Jacob Zuma at the start of a state visit in the UK in 2010.

Mr Ramaphosa is facing allegations of money laundering that threaten his position at the head of Africa’s most developed economy.

He has denied the accusations, which include illegally holding about $4 million in cash at his game ranch in northern South Africa, and covering up its theft to try to hide the existence of the money.

King Charles III confirmed as king in accession ceremony in London — in pictures

King Charles III addresses the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where he is formally proclaimed monarch. PA

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BHP’s pursuit of Anglo American has a major obstacle: South Africa

The De Beers owner is a longstanding jewel in the African' state’s economic crown – it would be a ‘big blow’ to see it sold off

The world’s largest mining company has a problem. Australia’s BHP has set out its intention to snap up the rival miner Anglo American in a multibillion-pound deal that would reshape the global industry. Its proposed £31bn takeover plan has already been rebuffed as a lowball offer that undervalues the company. But Anglo’s deep roots in South Africa could be a far more sensitive issue to address.

Africa’s most advanced economy was built on mining. For more than 150 years since the first discovery of diamonds, gold and coal, the industry has remained South Africa’s economic lifeblood. Today it is the world’s fifth largest producer of coal and diamonds and the 10th largest producer of gold.

As a result, Anglo American has held a role at the centre of South Africa’s fortunes, affording the company enormous soft power in the country’s economic and political development. In return, South Africa’s government is Anglo’s largest shareholder, with a 7% stake held via its Public Investment Corporation. A takeover would in effect strip South Africa of a 100-year bond with one of the world’s biggest companies.

“Nobody here views this deal favourably,” said James Lorimer, the shadow minister for mining and natural resources. “Anglo American’s business here was once the jewel in the crown of South Africa’s economy. Under this deal it could be sold off for parts from someone else’s company.”

BHP has made clear that its interest lies in copper. Anglo American’s vast copper reserves in Chile and Peru would make BHP the world’s largest producer of copper at a time when it has never been more profitable.

It is in the extraction of copper – a vital building block in the development of renewable energy projects and electric vehicles – that the mining industry can see a clear path ahead into a low-carbon future.

By contrast, South Africa’s assets are considered a risk rather than a reward. BHP plans to exclude shares in Anglo’s Kumba Iron Ore and its Amplats platinum businesses to reduce its exposure to the South African market, which it exited in 2015 by spinning out the mining company South32. Its subsidiary De Beers, the world’s largest diamond miner, has revealed a slump in production as luxury spending slips and lab-grown diamond alternatives begin to erode its market share.

BHP’s reluctance to forge fresh ties with South Africa appears mutual, if comments made by Gwede Mantashe, the country’s mining minister, are anything to go by. Mantashe, an ANC veteran and former trade union leader, told the Financial Times that he was opposed to the deal because South Africa’s previous experience with BHP was “not positive”. The company “never did much for South Africa”, he said.

Anglo occupies a unique position within the country: it was built on the backs of cheap black labour during decades of institutionalised racial oppression, but its founders also acted as a driving force behind the dismantling of the apartheid state.

Today it uses its considerable lobbying power to urge the government to overhaul its floundering public services, for example by pushing for investment to put an end to rolling electricity blackouts, in an attempt to salvage the country’s economic growth. It has spent more than $6bn (£4.8bn) in the country in the past five years, including investments in South Africa’s underfunded education system – De Beers has for decades sponsored students through university scholarships.

“So many of us have grown up with the idea of ‘rapacious’ mining companies,” Lorimer said. “But in many ways these large listed companies make for better corporate citizens. As big international companies leave South Africa, we run the risk of attracting piratical players who are after profit and not much else.”

Anglo was founded in 1917 by Ernest Oppenheimer, a German immigrant to London who first moved to Johannesburg at the turn of the century as a young diamond broker. He used £1m from UK and US investors to establish Anglo American and within 40 years it was the world’s largest producer of gold, while its twin, De Beers, commanded 90% of the world’s diamond trade.

At the height of Anglo’s industrial power the business magnate also played a role in nudging South Africa’s apartheid government towards constitutional reform. Shortly before his death he offered discreet financial backing to the 156 anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, who faced South Africa’s 1956 Treason Trials.

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His son, Harry Oppenheimer, assumed leadership of the company and took up his father’s brand of pragmatic liberalism in the late 1950s. He backed proposals for constitutional reform that would water down the ruling National party’s agenda of racial oppression – but he stopped short of supporting the ANC-led liberation movement’s calls for universal franchise.

Still, the company was “indelibly connected” to South Africa’s political reformation, according to Michael Cardo, the author of a biography of Harry Oppenheimer and South Africa’s former shadow minister of employment until his resignation from politics in February.

“Anglo is enmeshed with the history of South Africa in the 20th century – its industrial-economic development as well as its political evolution from a white supremacist state to a non-racial democracy,” he said.

“It would be a matter of some consequence if this deal went through. It would be a significant loss for South Africa which could diminish its status as a major mining player on the world stage. It would speak to the state of South Africa today. The government could well see this deal as a massive blow to the dignity and self-worth of the country. It’s politically significant and speaks to South Africa’s status on the world stage.”

With South Africa just weeks away from what is expected to be the closest democratic election in its history, the loss would be keenly political, too. Lorimer, who is part of the Democratic Alliance, said the deal exemplified the collapse of the economy under the ANC. “We used to have a world-leading mining industry, but now nobody wants to invest here,” he said.

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Local elections live: Sadiq Khan ahead in early London results; 'genuinely too close to call' in West Midlands

The latest results and all the fallout from the local elections, with the results for the London and West Midlands mayoral races still to come.

Saturday 4 May 2024 13:23, UK

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• London mayoral election: Khan ahead in early returns
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• Labour wins South Yorkshire and Liverpool City Region mayoral races
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Our deputy political editor Sam Coates has been giving his view of the results we have seen so far.

He says yesterday's results were "all about, effectively, the collapse in Tory votes, how the electoral coalition of Boris Johnson that he put together in 2019 has come apart".

"Today is a slightly different day because the main business is seven of these regional mayoral contests."

Sam explains that they are "different beasts" because "in many cases, they involve "big figures" which means they can "buck national trends" and "the results might not reflect what you get in the council elections or in the polls".

He looks at Liverpool first, saying Labour has "unsurprisingly" won the race, with Steve Rotheram "well known in the city".

Sam says he has won an "absolutely stonking majority" ( see the results in full here ).

Labour's Oliver Coppard, meanwhile, retains the South Yorkshire mayoralty ( results in full here ).

"Labour will be pleased by the big, big margin of victory in those [races]," he explains, with more to be announced later today.

In London, there had been nervousness yesterday in Labour circles that Sadiq Khan may not have managed to win re-election.

But Sam says Sir Keir Starmer saying this morning that he is "confident" that the incumbent had won the vote looked "as if he was calling it" ( see the Labour leader's full comments here ).

The early results are "pretty clear so far", Sam explains, with Mr Khan "well ahead" in the two constituencies in inner London breaking resounding in his favour - although that is not a particular surprise in those areas ( see the early London returns here ).

"Let's see what the other areas do, particularly outer London areas that are more likely to vote Tory.

"But at the moment, it's good news for the incumbent getting a third term."

Oliver Coppard has won re-election with just over 50% of the vote.

Tory candidate Nick Allen finished a distant second with 16.5% of the vote, followed by Douglas Johnson (Greens) in third, taking 13.6%.

The turnout was very low, however, with just 27.27% of voters casting a ballot.

The counting for the London mayoral election started at 9am this morning, and the first constituencies are starting to report their results.

Greenwich and Lewisham is the first area to report, and Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan (not unexpectedly) is in the lead with 52.2% of the vote, followed by Conservative candidate Susan Hall on 23%.

Merton and Wandsworth has also reported its results in the mayoral race - Mr Khan has taken 49.3% of the vote, with Ms Hall behind on 25.4%.

See the overall results so far here:

Steve Rotheram has comfortably won a third term, polling almost 70% of the vote.

Conservative Jade Marsden finished second and the Green Party's Tom Crone finished third.

Liberal Democrat Rob McAllister-Bell came in fourth and independent Ian Smith finished fifth.

Speaking after his victory was announced, Mr Rotheram urged Rishi Sunak to call an election, saying "we are ready when you are".

Our political correspondent Darren McCaffrey is outside City Hall in London as we await the outcome of the London mayoral contest.

He says the polls in the capital "consistently throughout the campaign have shown Sadiq Khan very much in the lead", with polls showing the Labour incumbent having a 10-20 point lead.

"But yesterday and this morning, there is a little nervousness within Labour about whether Sadiq Khan is going to win, or the very fact that it might be very close with the Conservative candidate, Susan Hall," he explains.

Darren goes on to explain that the overall voter turnout in the mayoral contest is 40.5%, but it is "higher in the outer parts of London that traditionally have voted Conservative in the past, and it is down in inner London that have traditionally voted Labour or Sadiq Khan".

"That is causing that nervousness" in Labour, he says.

He caveats those factors by saying that polling in London is very difficult, and particularly this year because the voting system has changed to First Past The Post, meaning Mr Khan will not get the vote transfers that he will have got in previous years.

Speaking frankly, he says there was "an element of complacency" in the Khan electoral coalition because the polls showed him so far in the lead, and some voters may have felt comfortable voting for smaller parties because they thought he was safe.

In outer London, where the traditional Tory vote is, there is also a good chance Reform UK - also very anti-ULEZ - picked up some Hall votes.

Darren concludes: "The assumption is that Sadiq Khan will probably still win this mayoral race, but it really could be close."

After a flood of local elections results through the day yesterday, we are expecting some key races to be declared today.

Mayoralties

Counting started in the London mayoral race at 9am - and we're expecting a result late afternoon or early evening.

The West Midlands contest will also be declared this afternoon - we are expecting the result around 2pm.

We will also get results from:

• Liverpool City Region around now;
• South Yorkshire around 1pm;
• Greater Manchester around 2pm;
• West Yorkshire around 3.30pm;
• Salford City  around 7pm.

London Assembly

We will get results from fourteen London constituencies.

There will also be the results from the London-wide top-up list that will elect another 11 assembly members.

These are expected to be declared throughout the day, and we'll bring you those as we get them.

Results in four council races are expected to be declared today:

• North Tyneside;
• Warrington;

A further eight police and crime commissioners will also be revealed.

We've had a full day of results already, with many more to come today.

So what is the state of play?

Labour has netted 174 seats and a further eight councils in what has been a very positive set of elections for the opposition.

The Liberal Democrats have netted another 101 seats and control of one additional council, which is a good set of results for the party, which is aiming to push out the Tories wherever it can.

The Conservatives  have had a disastrous set of elections, losing 449 councillors so far, as well as control of 12 councils.

The Green Party has netted an extra 65 seats, making serious gains in places like Bristol where it hopes to win another parliamentary seat at the general election.

Mayoral races

Four of the 11 mayoral contests have been declared so far .

The Tories held on to the Tees Valley mayoralty, with Lord Ben Houchen hanging on, despite a big swing to Labour.

But that is where the good news end for the government.

Labour took the North East mayoralty, defeating a former Labour mayor turned independent.

The opposition also won the brand new mayoralty of East Midlands , and emerged victorious in  York and North Yorkshire - a region that encompasses Rishi Sunak's own constituency.

We are expecting the results from the remaining contests today, and we'll bring you those as soon as we have them ( more on timings here ).

We've had one of the final remaining council results in, from Epping Forest.

The Conservatives lost three seats but have managed to hold on to the Essex council.

Labour is celebrating big wins in the Blackpool South by-election, in the local elections and in most of the mayoral races that have declared so far.

The Conservatives could lose up to 500 councillors, though their candidate Ben Houchen did hold on to his role as mayor of Tees Valley. A win which gave the prime minister something to be pleased about and will probably help him keep his job for now.

But are these grim results for the Tories enough to see Labour winning the next election? Sky News's projection is that it won't be. They will be the largest party but short of an overall majority.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to Professor Michael Thrasher who carried out the analysis and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates on what signals we can take from these results.

👉  Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts   👈

In the days running up to the elections, Number 10 was verging on the unsubtle.

Senior Downing Street figures were conceding that should Ben Houchen lose the mayoralty of the Tees Valley Combined Authority to Labour, there would be a challenge to Rishi Sunak. At that point they would be unable to stem the tide of letters sufficient to trigger a vote of no confidence.

In turn, this might have triggered an unwanted and catastrophic early election.

This is unusual behaviour - for the prime minister's closest allies to be openly speculating on his survivability - yet it is a sign of the turbulence of politics of the moment.

There was method in their madness.

Read the full analysis here:

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