Stephen Clear does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond his academic appointment.
State visit: A ceremonial welcome, usually for foreign heads of state or government, accompanied by members of the Royal Family. It is a high-profile visit designed to strengthen relationships between two countries, and can include visits to landmarks, military monuments and cultural events. It is often a chance for the visiting head of state to address the UK Parliament or the Lords.
The king hosts one or more State visits every year. Last year he welcomed the emperor and empress of Japan and the sheikha of Qatar. The visits usually last for a few days and include a welcome ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.
During this ceremony, the visitor inspects a Guard of Honour and is saluted by members of the Household Cavalry and the Royal Air Force. They then meet the Prime Minister and senior Government ministers. This is followed by a state dinner. The king also invites the visiting head of state to lay a wreath at a military site or at a memorial, and may give a speech in the House of Commons or Lords.
In the past, State visits have included a trip to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem where the visiting dignitary and the king or queen rekindle the Eternal Flame at the holocaust memorial. This is a somber reminder of the six million people who died during World War II.