Princess Kate sits down with Ukraine first lady Olena Zelensky reinforcing Britain’s commitment to war-torn ally
PRINCESS Kate sat down with Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelensky in a regal display of diplomatic Girl Power yesterday.
The new Princess of Wales reinforced Britain’s commitment to the war-torn former Soviet republic during the private meeting at Buckingham Palace.
Elegant Kate, wearing a black coat dress by Catherine Walker, chatted easily with Mrs Zelensky for several minutes - demonstrating her skill at charming world leaders.
It came shortly before King Charles hosted a gathering of 500 international dignitaries dubbed the Reception of the Century at the palace.
US President Joe Biden was among the guests, arriving in his bomb-proof limo known as the Beast.
Earlier, Biden paid tribute to the Queen after signing a book of condolence, saying: “She was the same in person as her image - decent, honourable and all about service.
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“Our hearts go out to the Royal Family. King Charles and all of the family.
It’s a loss that leaves a giant hole, and sometimes you think you’ll never overcome it.
“As I’ve told the King, she’s going to be with him every step of the way - every minute, every moment - and that’s a reassuring notion.
“To all the people of England and the United Kingdom, our hearts go out to you. You were fortunate to have had her for 70 years.
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"We all were. The world’s better for her.”
Biden added the Queen’s gentle nature reminded him of his mother and recalled when she invited him and wife Jill for tea and crumpets.
He said: “She kept offering me more and I kept eating everything she put in front of me. She gave us a sense of, maybe above all, the notion of service. It was an honour to meet her.”
Other guests at the reception included presidents, prime ministers and royalty from across the globe.
People were seen arriving dressed in black as a mark of respect ahead of the Queen’s funeral today.
Among them were Ireland’s , who arrived on a coach with the former King and Queen Consort of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofia.
He said the Queen made an “enormous contribution” to peace in Ireland with her “warmth and authentic actions”, adding: “She was a constant in many lives for a long, long time. An extraordinary, historic reign.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council Charles Michel arrived on coaches with several leaders of Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace’s Grand Entrance.
They were joined by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who walked into the palace followed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who smiled briefly at journalists.
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania as well as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also joined dozens of other guests at the reception.
Members of European royal families also arrived at Buckingham Palace.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden, and arrived in coaches at the Grand Entrance of the Palace.
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Mrs Zelensky’s husband Volodymyr, the president of Ukraine, took time out from organising his country’s fightback against Russia to sign a book of condolence for the Queen.
The UK’s ambassador in Kyiv, Melinda Simmons, said she was “deeply honoured” by the gesture.
