Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan were received by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in an official welcoming ceremony at the Royal Pavilion at the Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.

The Chinese leader was also greeted by other members of the royal family and political leaders including Prime Minister David Cameron. Gun salutes were fired at Green Park and London Tower.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Xi inspected the guard of honor, which included nearly 100 soldiers and horses, before traveling to Buckingham Palace in a state carriage procession. Hundreds of Chinese in London also lined up along both sides of the route to welcome the Chinese president.

Buckingham Palace, which sits in the heart of London, has served as the official residence of the British monarch since 1837.

Xi and Madam Peng were invited for a private lunch with the royal family members there, followed by a specially prepared exhibition of China-related items from the Royal Collection, including books, drawing and works of art. Xi and the Queen will also exchange gifts, as a symbol of goodwill between the two sides.

In the evening, the Queen hosted a grand state banquet for President Xi, with some 150 guests including members of the royal family, government officials and business leaders.

Xi’s state visit, which will conclude on Friday, is the first by a Chinese president since 2005. The state visit is on the threshold of the second decade of China-Britain comprehensive strategic partnership and has ushered in a “golden era” for bilateral relations.

Story from CCTV News.


Buckingham Palace prepares for Xi Jinping’s visit

President Xi Jinping’s visit will also receive a warm welcome from the British Monarchy. Queen Elizabeth the second, who has met with some of the most famous leaders in recent history, is expected to greet President Xi at Buckingham Palace.

Since the coronation in 1952 Britain’s Monarch has seen out 12 UK Prime Ministers and met with some of the most famous leaders from history, including in this rare footage China’s Deng Xiaoping. It’s 10 years since China’s former President Hu Jintao made a State Visit to Britain, the arrival of Xi Jinping regarded here as a barometer of Sino-UK relations at their warmest in decades.

CCTV’s Richard Bestic reports from Buckingham Palace.


Prince William: China can be global leader in anti-poaching

China and the UK have been cooperating for several years now on wildlife protection. Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UK, The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William spoke to CCTV. He asked the Chinese people to boycott ivory in order to preserve the world’s remaining elephants.
CCTV’s Jin Yingqiao has more.