The great King Charles welcomed his first world leader to Buckingham Palace earlier this week. The King, who looked as majestic as ever, housed President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa at the historic palace.
The visit is a glorious reminder that the King Charles era is well and truly underway. After so much heartache following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the visit marks the start of the healing process.
The meeting was arranged before the passing of the Queen, and it was originally set-up as a recognition of the Queen’s devotion to the Commonwealth. It marked the first state visit from a South African leader since 1996, when Nelson Mandela was in power.
LORD PING: FOR OPINIONATED PLAYERS
Pomp And Pageantry On Display
Royal pomp and pageantry was on full display for Ramaphosa, who was met by over 1,000, 230 horses, seven military bands, and two state coaches. I’m sure the South African leader was taken aback by the warm reception he received, and looked upon our opulent traditions and customs with great envy.
Buckingham Palace had not hosted a state visit since Donald Trump’s visit in 2019, as the COVID-19 pandemic had rendered them obsolete in 2020 and 2021. Anticipations were, therefore, high for the South African President, and no expense was spared.
Prince William and his wonderful wife, Kate Middleton, were also on-hand during the ceremony, each dressed in their Royal best.
The visit, I thought, was shrouded in heartache. Though I’ve already pledged my life to King Charles, I am finding it incredibly difficult to adjust to the post-Elizabethan era.
It still feels strange seeing our national team sing God Save the King, rather than Queen. Soon, it will feel odd seeing coins bearing the King’s likeness, as well as saying ‘His Majesty’ when I do my prayers every morning.
Welcome Break For Ramaphosa
Cyril Ramaphosa has been the President of South Africa since 2018, yet his career is in jeopardy due to a scandal involving hidden payments. Though I can’t comment on the landscape of his country since I don’t live there, I can imagine a visit to our Royals served as a welcomed break for him.
Here’s hoping that there will be many more state visits to come and world leaders everywhere are reminded of the pageantry that takes place on this green and pleasant land. As the world continues to get more complicated, it’s comforting to know that the Royals will always be there during our time of need.
I raise my glass to you, King Charles, and I hope that you reign over us for decades to come.
PLAY LORD PING
Lord Ping is an online casino with over 3000 online slots and live casino table games.
LORD PING, THE ONLINE CASINO FOR OPINIONATED PLAYERS!
Disclaimer: Opinion content is provided by experienced journalists and are not the views of Lord Ping
