KING Charles greeted more than 100 overseas royals and world leaders at Buckingham Palace last night on the eve of his Coronation.
Kings, queens and figureheads from nations around the globe arrived in London for the glitzy VIP reception.
Charles also met leaders from the Commonwealth and other realms in a hectic day of events ahead of today’s historic occasion.
It came as Rishi Sunak last night declared the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as a moment of “extraordinary national pride” and a “proud expression” of Britain.
The PM, who will be among party leaders and dignitaries at Westminster Abbey today, called it a chance to look to the future with “hope and optimism”.
He added: “No other country could put on such a dazzling display — the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies and street parties. But this is not just a spectacle.
“It’s a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions. A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country and a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.”
Mr Sunak called on the country to celebrate this weekend with pride and added: “Let’s make new memories. So we can tell our grandchildren of the day we came together to sing, ‘God Save The King’.”
Some 100 heads of state will converge on London for today’s Coronation, with representatives from 203 countries due to attend.
Diplomatic cars formed a massive line along The Mall as dignitaries arrived at Buckingham Palace yesterday, with thousands of fans hoping to see world royalty.
They were hosted by Charles and Camilla, who were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Guests included Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife Olena, 45, who is here with the war-torn nation’s PM Denys Shmyhal.
A troupe of European royals joined the festivities at the King’s home last night, including Queen Letizia of Spain, who wore an elegant £850 Victoria Beckham midi dress. Letizia, 50, was joined by her husband King Felipe VI, 55, a distant relative of the British monarch.
Charles was seen deep in conversation with Felipe, who wrote him a touching letter following the death last September of the Queen — or “Aunt Lilibet” as he called her.
Monaco’s Prince Albert II, 65, arrived with Princess Charlene, 45, who stunned on the red carpet in a gem-encrusted ensemble.
The former Olympic swimmer completed her outfit with shimmering floral diamond earrings.
Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik, 54, was also snapped with wife Princess Mary, 51, who was wearing a coral-pink Andrew Gn dress.
King Philippe of Belgium and daughter Princess Elisabeth, 21, posed for pictures. They were joined by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands were also among the European royalty present.
Guests from further afield included Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan, plus Jordan’s ruling royals King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. US President Joe Biden’s wife Jill was also there, and chatted to Kate, who wore a flowing blue dress.
Other guests included controversial Chinese vice-president Han Zheng but there was no representation from Russia and Iran. They joined Belarus, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria and Venezuela on the non-attendees list.
Charles had earlier met leaders from the Commonwealth and hosted a lunchtime banquet at Buckingham Palace, joined by William and Kate.
More than 40 representatives from the realm, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese and New Zealand leader Chris Hipkins, posed for a photo with the group’s figurehead.
Meanwhile, at Downing Street, Mr Sunak also met several world leaders to discuss climate change, trade and sport prior to last night’s Buckingham Palace bash.
Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were among his guests. He also shared a plate of sausage rolls with his opposite number from New Zealand.
FIRST LADIES LEAD THE WAY
US First Lady Jill Biden is greeted by PM Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy after jetting in for the VIP event.
The President’s wife, 71, representing the US in her husband Joe’s place, had their granddaughter Finnegan Biden, 24, with her.
Mrs Biden, a former teacher, joined Ms Murthy on a visit to a London school.
‘Error’ on Hindu rep
A HINDU chosen to represent the faith at the Coronation has been replaced at the last minute after he was invited by mistake.
Radha Mohan Das, from Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple, has stepped back from the role, with Lambeth Palace said to have made an “administrative oversight” by picking him.
Mohan Das, who works in the communications team at the venue in Watford, will still attend the service.
However, a more senior member of the temple will take on the formal duty.
He had been picked to walk in the procession of faith leaders in Westminster Abbey at the ceremony, which will involve non-Christian faith representatives for the first time.