Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin were welcomed by Charles, the Prince of Wales at Heathrow Airport, and from there the presidential motorcade headed for London.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Russian head of state and his wife was given by HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade.
The British Royal Guards saluted the Russian President before the orchestra of the guards played the anthems of Russia and the United Kingdom.
Queen Elizabeth II introduced to President Putin, and the Duke of Edinburgh to Mrs Putin, the country’s prominent political and military leaders.
From Horse Guards Parade Her Majesty the Queen and the Russian President set out for the Buckingham Palace in horse-drawn ceremonial carriages.