Announcement of a State Visit from South Africa

At the invitation of The Queen, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 3rd March to Friday, 5th March 2010. The President will stay at Buckingham Palace, with his wife, Mrs Tobeka Madiba Zuma.

Background

The Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, toured South Africa with The King and Queen from February to May 1947. It was her first official overseas visit. The tour included Southern Rhodesia and Bechuanaland. The Princess celebrated her 21st Birthday during the tour and broadcast to the Commonwealth.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh paid a State Visit to South Africa from 19th to 25th March 1995, as the guests of President Nelson Mandela.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh paid a State Visit to South Africa from 9th to 15th November 1999, as the guests of President Thabo Mbeki. This visit included the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Durban.

President Mandela paid a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 9th to 12th July 1996.

President and Mrs Mbeki paid a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 12th to 15th June 2001.

During his 90th birthday visit to London, Mr Nelson Mandela, OM and Mrs. Graca Machel were received by The Queen in Buckingham Palace, on 25th June 2008.