WINDSOR, England, 24 October (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Friday in a significant display of royal support for the war-torn nation. This marks the third meeting between the two leaders this year, but it is the first time the Ukrainian president has been honored with a full ceremonial welcome in the United Kingdom.

Upon his arrival at the historic royal residence, President Zelensky was greeted with a Royal Salute in the castle’s quadrangle . The band of the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards played the Ukrainian national anthem, a powerful symbol of solidarity, before the King invited the visiting president to inspect the Guard of Honour. Following the formal ceremony, the two heads of state retired inside the castle for a private audience.

The elaborate welcome is being widely interpreted as a firm and personal endorsement from the British monarch for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. King Charles has been a consistent and vocal supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began, previously stating that the country has endured indescribable aggression and praising the true valour of its people.

President Zelensky’s visit to Windsor is part of a broader diplomatic tour to galvanize further international assistance and military aid from European allies.

Later in the day, he is scheduled to join UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders for a meeting of the coalition of the willing in London. However, the day began with the striking pageantry at Windsor, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, which extends from the political to the monarchical.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar