What is a State Visit?

State visit is the highest level of foreign diplomatic engagement, and carries with it a great deal of pomp and pageantry. It is usually conducted at the invitation of a visiting nation’s head of state, and is a symbol of the strong friendship and alliance between the two countries. State visits are also high-level platforms for the President of the United States and the visiting head of state to engage in important diplomatic discussions.

During a state visit, the visiting head of state is greeted at the airport by a Guard of Honour and parades through London to Buckingham Palace, escorted by horses from the Household Cavalry. They are hosted at a State Banquet, which is normally attended by around 150 guests invited on the basis of their cultural, political or economic links with the visiting nation.

The visit usually includes an inspection of troops, and the laying of wreaths at memorial sites to honour shared history and fallen heroes. Cultural exchanges are also often included in the schedule, as is an opportunity for the visiting head of state to meet with local community leaders and business people.

State visits are widely covered in the media and can attract large crowds, including protesters. This is because they are high-profile events, and a chance for the public to see how the government is working with other nations. However, US presidents in their second term are not usually offered state visits.