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Princess of Wales hosts Ukraine’s first lady at Buckingham Palace

The Princess of Wales has hosted Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska at Buckingham Palace.

September 19, 2022
By Amy Gibbons and Ella Pickover, PA
19 September 2022

The Princess of Wales has met the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Queen’s funeral.

Downing Street had previously declined to confirm reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife would travel to the UK for the funeral.

She was pictured meeting Kate at the Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska viewed the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, lying in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, London, ahead of her funeral on Monday (PA)
Olena Zelenska views the coffin at Westminster Hall (Jacob King/PA)

Zelenska earlier visited Westminster Hall to see the Queen lying in state.

She made the journey to the UK after her husband took time out from organising his country’s fightback against Russia to sign a book of condolence for the Queen.

The UK’s ambassador in Kyiv, Melinda Simmons, said she was “deeply honoured” by the president’s gesture.

“Grateful to the president for taking the time to do this given all else that is happening in (Ukraine) at this time,” she said.

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