The King and Queen have welcomed South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol to the UK as he begins a three-day state visit.

Military pomp and pageantry were on display as the foreign head of state and his wife Kim Keon Hee were warmly greeted by Charles and Camilla in Whitehall.

Alongside the ceremonial welcome, the UK and South Korea are to launch talks on a new trade deal and sign a diplomatic accord as part of Mr Yoon’s state visit.

The King and President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol during the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, central London (Victoria Jones/PA)

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will begin negotiations with her Korean counterpart Bang Moon Kyu at the UK-Korea Business Forum at Mansion House on Wednesday.

They will also announce £21 billion of investments committed by Korean businesses in green energy and infrastructure projects across the UK.

The Prince and Princess of Wales greet Mr Yoon his wife Kim Keon Hee on day one of the state visit to the UK (Henry Nicholls/PA)

Watching events on a dais were the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Defence Chiefs of Staff.

Stationed nearby was the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, commanded by Major Edward van der Lande.

Following tradition, the Prince and Princess of Wales had accompanied the president and his wife from their hotel to Whitehall.

In Horse Guards Parade, where the King traditionally celebrates his official birthday, Mr Yoon, accompanied by Charles, inspected a guard of honour, formed by F Company Scots Guard.

Members of the Scots Guards were recently deployed to South Korea where they were training troops.

The foreign head of state walked past the two ranks of Guardsman casting his eye over the servicemen before returning to the royal pavilion with the King.