Photo taken on Sept. 7, 2015 shows the ballroom set for a state banquet at the Buckingham Palace in London, capital of Britain. (Xinhua/Han Yan)
LONDON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- There are usually two incoming state visits each year for the British royal family. Invitations are sent on the advice of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Photo taken on Oct. 14, 2015 shows the Queen Victoria Monument in front of Buckingham Palace in London. (Xinhua/Han Yan)
The Queen acts as host to the visiting head of state, who stays either at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or, occasionally, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Visits normally begin with a ceremonial welcome attended by the Queen and other senior members of the royal family. If the guest is staying at Buckingham Palace, the ceremony takes place on Horse Guards Parade.
File photo shows British Royal Guards attending the changing ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London Sept. 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Han Yan)
After inspecting a guard of honor, the visiting president or monarch then travels with the Queen in a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace.
On the evening of the arrival day, the head of state will attend a state banquet in his or her honor.
