Colombian Visit to the UK: Welcome Ceremonies

The Duke of Edinburgh, First Lady Maria Clemencia Rodriguez, Queen Elizabeth II, and President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia at Buckingham Palace (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia and his wife, Maria Clemencia Rodriguez, began a state visit to the United Kingdom today with the traditional welcome ceremonies.

Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/AFP/Getty Images

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were on hand to greet the couple at their suite in London.

Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/AFP/Getty Images

Camilla wore diamond and pearl earrings with her diamond Prince of Wales Feather brooch, worn with its distinctive emerald drop. (Colombia is famous for its emeralds, something Camilla knows first-hand after her visit there a few years ago. Perhaps a subtle tribute?) Because November has officially begun, Camilla used the brooch to secure her Remembrance poppy. The paper poppies are distributed by the Royal British Legion and worn in the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/AFP/Getty Images

Here’s a closer look at the bracelets and rings that Camilla wore, including her stunning diamond engagement ring (which we recently discussed here).

Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP/Getty Images

The visiting couple then traveled to meet with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade.

Photo: Gareth Fuller – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Queen wore a brooch made of golden flowers studded with rubies and diamonds.

Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP/Getty Images

And then, it was time for the Brits to show off one of the things they do best: pomp and circumstance. The Queen joined President Santos for a carriage ride down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.

Photo: John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Inside the palace, the Queen did an outfit-and-brooch switcharoo before a presentation of items from the Royal Collection. The RC staff always puts together a number of pieces from their holdings with connections to the visiting country.

Photo: John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images

For this part of the state visit, the Queen chose one of her more controversial, modern pieces: the Grima Ruby Brooch.