very royal welcome: South Korea's President and First Lady arrive at Buckingham Palace with King

The King and Queen officially welcomed South Korea 's president to Britain today before they stage a glittering state banquet in his honour at Buckingham Palace . Charles and Camilla are hosting Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee for the first incoming state visit since the King's coronation and the second of his reign. Prince William and Kate Middleton , who looked stunning in a red outfit, played a key role by greeting the President and the First Lady at their London hotel this morning. The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled with Mr Yoon and Mrs Kim to a Horse Guards Parade ceremonial welcome, where the King and Queen were waiting. Charles and Camilla took their place standing on the royal pavilion around midday and briefly greeted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly and the Defence Chiefs of Staff. Nearby was the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Edward van der Lande. Kate wore a striking £3,000 caped red coat by Catherine Walker and a matching hat by Jane Taylor. She also sported a pair of Princess Diana 's sapphire and diamond oval drop earrings, complementing the look with a pair of Gianvito Rossi red shoes. A guard of honour, formed by F Company Scots Guards, gave a royal salute amid traditional pomp and pageantry - and the King and Mr Yoon inspected the troops. Members of the Scots Guards were recently deployed to South Korea where they were training troops. Mr Yoon walked past the two ranks of Guardsman casting his eye over the servicemen before returning to the royal pavilion with the King.