King Charles grants Zelenskyy first ever UK ceremonial honour at Windsor

King Charles welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Windsor Castle on Thursday morning with full ceremonial honours marking the first time the wartime leader has received such a welcome on British soil.

The Quadrangle of Windsor Castle provided a striking backdrop as the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards formed a Guard of Honour, playing the Ukrainian national anthem while the King stood alongside his guest, greeting him with open arms and a warm handshake. 

The President, dressed in his trademark black jacket and trousers, placed a hand over his heart as the music played, a gesture of gratitude and pride.

Following the salute, Major Ben Tracey, captain of the Guard of Honour, invited President Zelenskyy to inspect the troops, with King Charles accompanying him along the line of soldiers. 

Inside Windsor, the King hosted an audience with Zelenskyy before he joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders at a Coalition of the Willing summit.

Security is tight and anticipation high as London becomes the centre of a pivotal diplomatic moment one that could shape the next phase of Western coordination in the ongoing conflict.