A State visit is a visit by a foreign head of state (or their representative) during which the visiting dignitary stays in either the official residence of the host nation’s head of state, a guest house reserved for state visits, or at a diplomatic residence located in the host country. During a State visit, ceremonial activities take place that reflect the importance of the visiting dignitary’s presence in the host nation.
These ceremonial activities can include inspections of military escorts, arrival ceremonies in front of the White House or other presidential palaces, and formal meetings with the host leader and government ministers. The visit may also include a state dinner, at which the visiting head of state is the guest of honor, or visits to historic sites or monuments. It may also involve the laying of wreaths or flowers at a site of national interest.
During the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, she hosted around 89 inbound State visits and 88 outbound state visits. As monarch of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms, Her Majesty usually receives State visits from foreign heads of state or prime ministers on advice of her Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO).
During the course of a State visit, the visiting head of state may be given an opportunity to address a joint session of Parliament, where the members of both houses of the bicameral legislature, the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, are present. The Lord Chamberlain writes to the Speakers of both Houses on behalf of the King asking them to host the visitor and to invite their delegations to attend.
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