A State visit is a formal trip by the head of state of a sovereign country to another sovereign country, at the invitation of the host nation’s head of state. It is the highest expression of friendly bilateral relations and is characterised by an emphasis on official public ceremonies.
State visits are a form of soft power diplomacy, using royal hospitality to strengthen diplomatic and business ties. They are a central part of the Queen’s role as head of state and are arranged on ministerial advice, usually by the Foreign Secretary in conjunction with the Prime Minister. Unlike other diplomatic events, state visits are conducted in the name of the Crown, exercising the monarch’s residual prerogative powers around foreign relations.
The itinerary of a State visit is set out by protocol officials in the Palace and the government, with decisions made based on what will be most beneficial to UK interests. A State visit can include a parliamentary element, usually a speech to the bicameral House of Commons and/or a joint session of the bicameral Parliament of the United Kingdom (composed of the House of Lords and the House of Commons).
Other ceremonial activities may also be included. These can range from inspecting a Guard of Honour to hosting a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, with the visiting head of state and their delegation attending alongside members of the British royal family and senior government representatives. The visitor is often accompanied by business leaders, who are invited to attend the State Banquet in order to build economic and commercial links.