Queen brooches, sparkly tiaras: inside the state banquet held for Ramaphosa

It was a grand affair at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening as King Charles III hosted a state banquet for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The South African leader’s visit to the UK kicked off on Tuesday and is aimed at strengthening ties and securing investments.

The president is visiting at the invitation of the king, who ascended to the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September. Ramaphosa is the first head of state hosted by the new monarch.

He was initially invited by the queen before her death.

On Tuesday the royal family's Twitter page was abuzz with teasers of the night ahead, with the palace's kitchen staff seen hard at work preparing for the regal affair.

Images shared later showed the King and Queen Consort Camilla dressed up to the nines with Ramaphosa before the banquet.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, were also in their royal best in honour of the occasion.

Catherine, Camilla and the Countess of Wessex, Sophie, were pictured in crown jewels and all wore brooches featuring an image of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Catherine stunned attendees in a glittering white gown and Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara adorning her head. According to Daily Mail, the sparkling piece once belonged to Princess Diana and was bequeathed to Elizabeth by Queen Mary.

Camilla wore the late queen's George VI sapphire tiara, which matched her royal blue gown.

See pictures and videos below.