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Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia begin UK state visit Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia begin UK state visit
(35 minutes later)
The Queen and Prince Philip have welcomed the king and queen of Spain to the UK for a three-day state visit.The Queen and Prince Philip have welcomed the king and queen of Spain to the UK for a three-day state visit.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia are attending a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade and earlier met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.King Felipe and Queen Letizia are attending a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade and earlier met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
The trip is the first state visit by a Spanish king to the UK since Felipe's father, Juan Carlos, came 31 years ago.The trip is the first state visit by a Spanish king to the UK since Felipe's father, Juan Carlos, came 31 years ago.
The BBC's royal correspondent said UK leaders hope it will improve relations over Brexit and Gibraltar.The BBC's royal correspondent said UK leaders hope it will improve relations over Brexit and Gibraltar.
It is expected to be Prince Philip's last state visit before he retires from public duties after the summer. It is expected to be the last time the Duke of Edinburgh takes part in a state visit before he retires from public duties after the summer.
The visit is beginning one day later than usual for such trips, meaning Theresa May will miss Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons to attend the Horse Guards welcome. The visit is beginning one day later than usual for such trips, meaning Theresa May missed Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons to attend the Horse Guards welcome.
Mrs May's Home Secretary Amber Rudd was also in attendance.
From the scene: Sarah Campbell , BBC royal correspondent
The wind died down and the sun broke through the clouds just as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh stepped on to the dais at Horse Guards.
Every visiting head of state gets the same welcome - their national anthem and the chance to inspect the guard of honour with Prince Philip. With his retirement imminent, this was likely to be the last time he performed that particular public duty.
Then King Felipe and Queen Letizia stepped into a carriage for the traditional procession down the Mall accompanied by the Household Cavalry. A chance for Britain to show off how well it can do "pomp".
Later in the evening, a state banquet is to be held for the Spanish royals in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace, where they are staying.Later in the evening, a state banquet is to be held for the Spanish royals in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace, where they are staying.
Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to attend the meal.Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to attend the meal.
It will be the first time Harry has taken part in a state visit.It will be the first time Harry has taken part in a state visit.
On Thursday, he will accompany the royal visitors to Westminster Abbey.On Thursday, he will accompany the royal visitors to Westminster Abbey.
King Felipe will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and the prince will join them on a short tour of the abbey, including the Tomb of Eleanor "Leonor" of Castile - the 13th-Century Spanish princess who married Edward I.King Felipe will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and the prince will join them on a short tour of the abbey, including the Tomb of Eleanor "Leonor" of Castile - the 13th-Century Spanish princess who married Edward I.
Royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the trip was an opportunity to emphasise the history of the relationship between the two nations as well as modern links over issues such as commerce, culture and science.Royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the trip was an opportunity to emphasise the history of the relationship between the two nations as well as modern links over issues such as commerce, culture and science.
But he said more than ever the UK's relations with other European nations are now framed within the context of Brexit.But he said more than ever the UK's relations with other European nations are now framed within the context of Brexit.
He added there was also the issue of the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar, where the two countries disagree.He added there was also the issue of the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar, where the two countries disagree.
It is less than a year since King Felipe told the UN that it was time, as he put it, "to end the colonial anachronism of Gibraltar".It is less than a year since King Felipe told the UN that it was time, as he put it, "to end the colonial anachronism of Gibraltar".