92-462: The Bentley State Limousines are official state cars manufactured by Bentley as a gift for the late Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. The two cars produced were in service for the Queen up until her death in 2022. They have most recently been in service for King Charles III . The Princess Royal used the car while accompanying the Queen's coffin. Both cars are kept in
184-573: A Cadillac with special undisclosed security features commissioned by the United States government , built by General Motors . Historically the president also used Lincoln , manufactured by Ford Motor Company and also Chrysler vehicles having been used in the past, representing the Detroit Three of American manufacturers. Soviet leaders used custom-built limousines made by the ZiL company, and though
276-606: A Hyundai Ioniq The Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn travels in a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI limousine for ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament . She more commonly uses a white armoured BMW 7 series when on official business. The official cars of the governor-general fly the Flag of the Governor-General of Australia and display St. Edward's Crown instead of number plates. A similar arrangement
368-458: A Land Rover Sentinel high security edition as Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by Tata Motors , an Indian automobile company though they are manufactured in the UK. For countries without major indigenous manufacturers, an official state car may be purchased from a suitable manufacturer in a nation with strong economic and diplomatic ties. Canada typically aims to exclusively use state cars manufactured by
460-1001: A Toyota Century , the Prime Minister of Italy uses a Maserati , the Prime Minister of Malaysia uses a Proton Perdana , the president of the Czech Republic is driven around in a Škoda Superb , and the British monarch uses a Bentley . Members of the British Royal Family are driven in Jaguars , though other makes may be used in other Commonwealth realms . The president of France can choose from cars manufactured by Renault or PSA Peugeot Citroën , and all major German manufacturers ( Mercedes-Benz , BMW and Volkswagen Group ) are represented in Germany's pool of vehicles available for use by state officials. The Prime Minister of India uses
552-556: A Toyota Corolla , that was accompanied by the Presidential Security using the Toyota Hilux SW4 and Toyotas Corollas. The current president Javier Milei was seen driving a Peugeot RCZ The President of Armenia , Vahagn Khachaturyan is driven in a 4th generation Audi A8 , escorted by a motorcade consisting of black Mercedes-Benz G-Class while the former President of Artsakh from 2020 to 2023 Arayik Harutyunyan used
644-539: A "P" followed by three numbers. For personal use, former Queen Paola of Belgium drives a Fiat 500 with diplomatic plates. Prince Laurent of Belgium is famous for his speed driving and his fast cars. There is also a Mercedes-Benz 600 and a 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible in the royal garage. King Baudouin of Belgium ordered in the 1970s an armored De Tomaso Deauville . He had also an Aston Martin DB2/4 . For their marriage in 1960, King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola used
736-522: A 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, with a bulletproof bubble-top. Governor-General of Belize Froyla Tzalam and prime minister Johnny Briceño are both driven in a Genesis EQ900 Convertible bearing the Flag of Belize and the standard of their offices. Ministers generally use the Toyota Prado or the Ford Excursion , bearing either government plates or civilian plates with tags. Previously,
828-590: A Mercedes S600 Guard. The current president of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye is driven in a armored Kia K900 and escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series. The King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni is driven in a black Mercedes S600 with the Royal Palace plate number and the logo of the Royal Standard of the King of Cambodia behind. The king has owned two black Mercedes-Benz 600s and also
920-424: A Secret Service BMW E39 540i or a BMW E61 545i, and a few Lexus LX 470. The Sultan also drives a black Brabus G700. On other occasions he drives a Maybach 62 . Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah own several luxury and exotic cars, one of the largest collections in the world. Queen Saleha of Brunei is usually driven around in a 2012 Rolls Royce Phantom Series II. The members of
1012-410: A black Lexus Lx and uses an armoured Range Rover Sentinel stretch for his visits to provinces and rural area. State visit A state visit is a formal visit by the head of a sovereign country (or representative of the head of a sovereign country) to another sovereign country, at the invitation of the head of state (or representative) of that foreign country, with the latter also acting as
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#17328528263041104-484: A ceremonial car, escorted by a motorcade consisting of The Toyota Land Cruiser, BMW 7 Series, and Nissan Patrol. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus travels in BMW and Mercedes-Benz sedans, along with a motorcade of security guards. The Current President of Barbados Sandra Mason uses a white Mercedes S Class W222 escorted by a motorcade consisting of Police Motorcycles Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado while
1196-511: A foreign leader. All military honours are organized by Section D of the Ministry of Defence . State banquets are also held for foreign dignitaries at the Rashtrapati Bhavan which are hosted by the president of India . Over 100 guests are invited to attend state banquets, including the vice-president of India , the prime minister of India , as well as government officials and leaders of
1288-424: A formal invitation to the head of state (or representative) of the nation being visited who at another time in the future, would pay a reciprocal state visit. While the costs of a state visit are usually borne by state funds of the host country, most nations host fewer than ten state visits per year, with some as few as two. Most foreign heads of state (or their representative) will stay in the official residence of
1380-462: A head of state (their representative) or a head of government , can be classified (in descending order of magnitude) as either an official visit , an official working visit , a working visit , a guest-of-government visit , or a private visit . In parliamentary democracies , while heads of state (or their representative) may formally issue and accept invitations, they do so on the advice of their heads of government , who usually decide on when
1472-538: A motorcade consisting of four Toyota Land Cruisers. The current president of Botswana uses a Toyota Land Cruiser J200 escorted by a motorcade consisting of the Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Hilux and Land Rover Defender . The ceremonial state car of the president of Brazil is a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, reserved exclusively for Independence Day commemorations, state visits and the presidential inauguration . The official state car used by
1564-636: A platoon of National Guards presenting arms at the arrival of the state guest at the entrance of the National Palace. After the state guest arrives with the president of Mexico (and his or her first partner, if present) in the palace' south courtyard the NG's Presidential Guards honor guard company presents arms while the Representative Music Band of the Mexican Armed Forces plays the anthems of
1656-583: A selection of marked and unmarked Royal Protection Squad vehicles, along with local police vehicles and motorcycle outriders. The motorcade usually includes a support vehicle to carry staff and aides, which was previously a silver VW Transporter minibus, until replaced by a black Mercedes V-Class in 2019. Both minibuses used the registration plate 1 KUV. The Queen also used the Bentleys at Sandringham House , and for travelling to and from Crathie Kirk when at Balmoral . Until her death in 2022, she typically used
1748-655: A state visit. When carrying the Queen, the Bentley "Flying B" bonnet mascot was replaced, either by the Queen's personal English mascot of Saint George slaying the dragon (made by the artist Edward Seago ) or, in Scotland, by a single standing lion . The Bentleys are equipped with flashing blue lights, two within the radiator grille and two mounted on the front bumper. The State Limousines neither have nor require number plates . The Bentleys are painted claret and black, in keeping with all British state vehicles. In January 2009, it
1840-628: A visit to the National War Memorial . State and official visits by Canada are performed by the Canadian monarch or a representative—the governor general, a lieutenant governor , or another member of the royal family . The first state visit by Canada was to the United States in 1937, when the US accorded the governor general the equivalent status given to a visiting head of state. Tours of Canada by
1932-529: Is also held at Victory Square . A bilateral meeting, press conference, and state dinner are all held at the Ala Archa State Residence . The Kyrgyz official welcoming group includes the chairman of the Supreme Council, the prime minister, and the minister of foreign affairs. The official morning breakfast reception takes place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Arrival ceremonies are also held at
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#17328528263042024-401: Is driven in A Black Armoured Mercedes S600 escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Land Cruisers J200s and Hyundai Palisades . The Co-Princes of Andorra , Joan Enric Vives i Sicília (Bishop of Urgel) and Emmanuel Macron (President of France), along with Josep Maria Mauri (the bishop's personal representative), and the Prime Minister of Andorra , Xavier Espot Zamora , all ride in
2116-603: Is held by the premier. If a president, governor-general or king visits, the welcoming ceremony is held by the president. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Honor Guard then marches off the square to the tune of the March of the Chinese People's Liberation Army . The ceremony ends with the marching band of the PLA performing an exhibition of military drill . During state visits, national awards are presented to visiting dignitaries, including
2208-412: Is likely to be out of date in some cases, as incumbents and cars change. The former president of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani traveled in a convoy of armored Toyota Land Cruiser J200s without registration plates. The President of Albania , Bajram Begaj rides in his Mercedes-Benz S350 escorted by a motorcade consisting of black Mercedes-Benz GLS . The President Of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune
2300-626: Is used for the governors of the six states . When the king is in Australia, the King's Personal Australian Flag is flown on the car in which he is traveling. During Queen Elizabeth II 's 2011 visit to Australia, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were driven in a Range Rover Vogue. The official state car of the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese is a white armoured BMW 7 Series, supported at all times by an armoured BMW X5. Prior to 2013, vehicles in
2392-440: Is usually accompanied by a senior government minister, usually by a foreign minister . Behind the diplomatic protocol , delegations made up from trade organizations also accompany the visiting head of state, offer an opportunity to network and develop economic, cultural, and social links with industry leaders in the nation being visited. At the end of a state visit, the foreign head of state (or representative) traditionally issues
2484-487: Is usually selected. Due to the high security risk of the passengers, these vehicles are often heavily secured and protected. Vehicles may be armored by the manufacturer or an after-market specialist. In this article the term "armored car" invariably means a reinforced civilian vehicle, not a military vehicle . When carrying an important passenger, state vehicles may be surrounded by a motorcade consisting of police or military personnel. The vehicle's driver might also be from
2576-599: The Armenian genocide at the Tsitsernakaberd complex. During a visit to the complex, most leaders receive a tour of the museum, plant trees near the memorial, and lay wreaths at the eternal flame. A state visit in Belgium starts with an inspection of the troops in front of the Royal Palace of Brussels , whereafter the king and queen have a private audience with the visiting head of state and his or her spouse. The first day of
2668-562: The Audi A8 escorted by a motorcade consisting of the Audi Q5 and the Seat Leon . The current President of Angola João Lourenço rides in an armored Mercedes Benz S Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado , Toyota Land Cruiser Mitsubishi Montero , Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux . Former president of Argentina , Alberto Fernández had
2760-456: The Audi A8 , BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class . The Current Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen uses an Armored BMW 7 Series xdrive escorted by a motorcade consisting of BMW X5 Audi Q7 Audi A8 And Mercedes Benz S class. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev travels in an armored Maybach 62 limousine. Sometimes he uses a heavy armored, custom-built Mercedes-Benz W221 S600 Guard Pullman in 2023 Ilham Aliyev received
2852-668: The Berlin Victory Column , the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , and the Soviet War Memorial (Tiergarten) . During state visits, foreign dignitaries typically visit German federal states outside the capital. It this regard, a full honors ceremony is also held with the minister-president being the presiding officer. In break with the traditional Berlin military protocol, chairs have since July 2019 been set up outside
Bentley State Limousine - Misplaced Pages Continue
2944-707: The Corazzieri and a selected ceremonial unit such as the Honour Company "Goito" from the 1° Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna") and a supporting military band that performs 3 Ruffles and flourishes known as "Onori" ("Honors") prior to playing the national anthem of the dignitary's home country and Il Canto degli Italiani . In recent years, the Bersaglieri , the Carabinieri , and the Italian Navy have provided honor guards for
3036-509: The Detroit Three , many of which are made in Canadian factories, with the United States and American car manufacturers having a historically strong relationship with Canada. These companies have a well established and rich manufacturing history dating back to the 1920s in Ontario . The following lists some state cars and their users belonging to various sovereign states and other territories. The list
3128-833: The Japan Self-Defense Forces . State visits are planned in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs one month in advance. Arrival ceremonies for state visits to Kyrgyzstan typically take place at Manas International Airport with the participation of the Honour Guard Battalion of the 701st Military Unit of the National Guard and the Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan . A wreath-laying ceremony
3220-523: The Netherlands revolve around and are centered on the capital of Amsterdam . A characteristic of a state visit is that it is usually carried out by a foreign head of state , rather than a head of government . Upon arrival to the country, the dignitary will be given a tour through the capital, which includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument . Foreign dignitaries are usually received by
3312-734: The Order of Friendship . Since 1954, the State Protection Unit has provided motorcades for visiting dignitaries traveling from the airport to their meeting place. A 30-minute ceremony at the Plaza of the National Performing Arts Center in Taipei takes place to honor visiting dignitaries to the Republic of China (Taiwan) . After the anthems are played, the president escorts the visitor past
3404-490: The Presidency Denis Bećirović Željka Cvijanović and Željko Komšić are driven in an Audi A8 escorted by a Volkswagen Passat . President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik is driven in an armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class W 221. The rest of the government is usually driven in a Volkswagen Passat or Škoda Superb. The president of Bolivia Luis Arce is driven in an armoured Lexus LS 460L and escorted by
3496-578: The President of Finland , inspects the guard of honor to the rhythm of the Björneborgarnas marsch . After the inspection of the honor guard and the performance of the national anthems, the heads of state greet the public from the balcony of the Presidential Palace, from where they move to the yellow salon to drink welcome toasts, take official photos and exchange gifts and badges of honor. Usually,
3588-519: The President's Bodyguard (PBG) , and the Tri-Services Guard of Honour . Heads of state are also given a 21-gun salute, with a 19-gun salute being to heads of government . The massed bands and the commander of the guard of honour is chosen by a rotation between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. In 2015, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur became the first female officer to lead the guard of honour for
3680-687: The Presidential Palace , involving the Honor Guard Company and the Presidential Band . During the inspection, the foreign guest will greet the personnel of the company in the Romanian language (the dignitary will say buna ziua or "good morning" to which the soldiers will respond by saying salutari or "greetings"). Foreign guests may also visit the Gagauz capital of Comrat . State visits in
3772-557: The Royal Mews . The vehicles' twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 engines have been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 400 hp (298 kW; 406 PS) and 616 lb⋅ft (835 N⋅m) of torque. Their maximum speed is 130 mph (209 km/h). The State Limousines are 83.0 cm (2 ft 8.7 in) longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 25.5 cm (10.0 in) taller, and 6.8 cm (2.7 in) wider. They are equipped with broad coach doors opening to
Bentley State Limousine - Misplaced Pages Continue
3864-857: The Senate of France , and will hold meetings with members of parliament. Sometime during the state visit, the visiting dignitary will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe . State visits in Georgia are held outside the Presidential Palace of Georgia in Tbilisi . Ceremonial honours are provided by the Honour Guard and the Band of the National Guard of Georgia . The band plays Georgian Army songs during
3956-507: The coat of arms of Brazil and their titles engraved on them (e.g., president of the republic, president of the Senate, defense minister, Supreme Court president, etc.). The ceremonial state car of the Sultan of Brunei is a 1992 state landaulette Rolls-Royce Phantom VI . On non-ceremonial occasions, the sultan personally drives a black Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 ML55 AMG, usually escorted by either
4048-439: The official host for the duration of the state visit. Speaking for the host, it is generally called a state reception . State visits are considered to be the highest expression of friendly bilateral relations between two sovereign states , and are in general characterised by an emphasis on official public ceremonies. Less formal visits than a state visit to another country with a lesser emphasis on ceremonial events, by either
4140-568: The president of Bulgaria include the Mercedes-Benz S600 the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 7 Series. The prime minister is driven in a Toyota Land Cruiser, he very often drives it himself with the security guards sitting in the back of the car. The prime minister is also driven in a black BMW X5 . The pilot cars are usually Ford , Toyota or Audi A6 and Audi A8. Currently the prime minister Dimitar Glavchev and president Rumen Radev are transported in
4232-405: The 21-gun salute is the State Honors Artillery Battery, coming under the 1st Artillery Battalion (Separate) of the 1st Army Corps. The State Diplomatic Protocol (SDP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova organizes activities concerning state visits to the Moldovan capital of Chișinău . All state arrival ceremonies take place at the Presidential Administration or
4324-433: The Bentleys on the rare occasions that she travelled abroad, but also used other state cars or a vehicle provided by her hosts. Like all British state cars, the Bentleys have a mount on the roof for an illuminated coat of arms and a flag, which can be inserted from inside the vehicle. These usually feature the royal coat of arms and the Royal Standard respectively, although other symbols can be used for occasions such as
4416-429: The Ceremonial Office of the Ministry of Defense handles protocol related to the Italian Armed Forces , and the Diplomatic Ceremonial Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles protocol related to the diplomatic corps. Japan extends invitations for state visitors and official visitors aims to promote the friendship and relation between Japan and the country of the invitee. In addition to state and official visits,
4508-404: The Chancellery due to Chancellor Angela Merkel 's unusual episodes of shaking and uneasiness during the honours ceremony. Currently, only Moldovan Premier Maia Sandu and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have had to be received under this arrangement. Foreign leaders are received at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi during state visits. The dignitary first receives the salute from
4600-403: The East Court of the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square in Beijing . The guard of honour for the ceremony is provided by the Beijing Garrison Honor Guard , with musical accompaniment provided by the Central Military Band of the People's Liberation Army of China . As the military band plays the national anthems of the two countries, an artillery battery fires a 21-gun salute. After
4692-483: The German Wachbataillon (Guard battalion) and the Staff Band of the Bundeswehr . An exception to this was on 3 May 2007 during the visit of French President Jacques Chirac to Berlin, during which the Franco-German Brigade provided the honors. Depending on the status of the guest, state ceremonies are either held at the Bellevue Palace or the Federal Chancellery Complex . In recent years, state visits have been marked with dignitaries paying homage at memorials such as
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#17328528263044784-504: The Japanese government also extends several other forms of invitations to visit the country. The invitation of official practical visitors, practical visitors, and visitors to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs aim to promote negotiations, to strengthen security and to be used for policy coordination, etc. The invitation of ministers is an invitation extended to ministers from other countries, and aims to have them deepen their understanding of Japan and send information about Japan based on
4876-437: The Russian presidents switched to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class due to ZiL's decline after the dissolution of the Soviet Union , Vladimir Putin commissioned a new official state car from the national automotive establishment, which was delivered in early 2018. In 2018 the Government of South Korea commissioned a highly modified Hyundai Nexo SUV to serve as the official state car of South Korea. The emperor of Japan uses
4968-447: The automakers. In January 2024, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received a BYD Tan EV from BYD Brazil's CEO, to commemorate BYD investments in the country. The car is expected to be lent for one year. During the Indenpendence day of Brazil in 2024, the president used an armored Chery Tiggo 8 . The federal government's most important officials (president, ministers, magistrates, etc.) use yellow-green brass plates adorned with
5060-410: The band finishes its performance, the two leaders then inspect the guard of honour at the invitation of the guard commander. Following the inspection, both leaders embrace schoolchildren who wave flowers and the flags of both countries. At this time, the band performs a military march or folk song from the guest country. If a prime minister or chancellor or crown prince visits China, the welcoming ceremony
5152-404: The capital of Yerevan , with a welcoming ceremony usually being held at Zvartnots International Airport . Foreign heads of state are welcomed at the President's Residence while heads of government are welcomed at the Residence of the Prime Minister . These visits consist of the following components: Since 1991, foreign leaders who embark on visits to Armenia have paid tribute to the victims of
5244-407: The ceremony. The rest of the day includes bilateral meetings, one on one conversations, a joint press conference, and a state dinner, where the exchange of gifts and the awarding of honors takes place. The next day sees the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Altar of the Homeland . All protocol events in the capital are organized by the State Ceremonial Office. In particular,
5336-501: The country's monarch (and other members of the royal family) are not state or official visits, as the monarch conducts royal tours in his capacity as the Canadian head of state, not as a foreign head of state. Additionally, because the Canadian sovereign is shared with 14 other Commonwealth realms , state visits are not conducted between realms, with official visits performed by the realms' respective governor-general , or prime minister . State arrival ceremonies in China take place at
5428-437: The current Prime Minister Mia Mottley uses a gray Mercedes S Class W222. The Belgian king, Philippe , uses a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series , mostly with the number plate '1', because he is the commander in chief of the army. For his inauguration, a Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulette was used. He was also seen in A Land Rover Range Rover with The Plate '3'. All royal family members drive cars with only numbers on
5520-485: The delegation to the ROC president. The military welcome accorded to foreign leaders at Prague Castle are provided by troops of the Prague Castle Guard , Honor Guard of the Czech Armed Forces , the Czech Army Central Band , the Band of the Castle Guards and Police and units of the Prague Garrison Command . The Protocol Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for arranging high-level international visits and Finland's own state events. The task of
5612-458: The government or visiting dignitaries from other countries. A few countries bring their own official state car for state visits to other countries, for instance, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany and Japan. It also may serve as an automotive symbol of the head of state and their country. An official state car must have adequate security, capability and stateliness for its duty. A limousine or other high-end vehicle
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#17328528263045704-418: The government will usually commission one of the national automakers to provide a state car, or allow several to provide cars for an official state fleet. It is considered an honour for a car manufacturer to be selected to provide a state car for their respective country and a demonstration of the confidence of a government in their national industry. For example, the president of the United States currently uses
5796-466: The governor-general and prime minister were both driven in various cars. The King of Bhutan , Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is driven in a Lexus LX570 , escorted by a Jeep Wrangler and a Toyota Hilux of the Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan. The former King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck , drove a Toyota Land Cruiser when travelling around the kingdom. Ministers and senior government officials are assigned Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for official use. Members of
5888-412: The guard, paying homage to the Mexican flag and the flag of the guest country along the way. The ceremony then ends and the two go into the palace to begin their bilateral meeting. The Campo Marte ceremony is similar in style to the palace ceremony with the main differences being a 21-gun salute , opening remarks , and the military parade being added to the program. The unit responsible currently for
5980-405: The guest in the boardroom to allow the handling of airport formalities. Arrival honors for foreign dignitaries visiting Rome are held either at the Quirinal Palace (official residence of the president of the Italian Republic) or the Palazzo Chigi (official residence of the prime minister of the Italian Republic). During the ceremony, the guard of honor is provided by a military unit (most likely
6072-460: The head of state (or representative) who is hosting the state visit, in a guest house reserved for foreign visitors, or in their own nation's embassy located in the foreign nation being visited. State visits by well-known global leaders or figures, such as the British Monarch , the president of the United States or the pope , often draw much publicity and large crowds. Occasionally, these include protesters. State visits to Armenia are held in
6164-509: The inspection of the honour guard. During the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili , the band played the March of the Preobrazhensky Regiment during state visits. During state visits, dignitaries usually meet with the prime minister , chairperson of the Parliament , and the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia separately from the president. State dinners are also held inside the presidential palace with officials from both countries present. During state visits to Germany, honours are provided by
6256-415: The invitation is to be issued or accepted in advance. Queen Elizabeth II was the most travelled head of state in world history, having made 261 official overseas visits and 96 state visits to 116 countries by the time of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Although she was sovereign of each of the Commonwealth realms , in practice, she usually performed full state visits as Queen of the United Kingdom , while
6348-459: The itinerary has included a visit to the Yad Vashem memorial. There the leader, accompanied by the prime minister, will rekindle the Eternal Flame, and will also lay a wreath in memorial of the 6 million Jews murdered in the holocaust. When dignitaries arrive in the Italian capital of Rome , they are received in a short reception ceremony at the airport by the head of the Diplomatic Ceremonial Office among other officials, who then briefly entertain
6440-524: The knowledge obtained through invitations through conference, inspection, etc. with Japanese VIPs and experts. The invitation of strategic practitioners is an invitation extended to certain members in certain positions or those who are expected to hold a certain leadership position in the future, in political, economic, governmental, academic, etc., in foreign countries or international organizations. It aims to promote understanding of Japan's various policies and fields such as culture and society, to facilitate
6532-514: The law enforcement or military pool. The driver of the United States Presidential State Car is an experienced agent from the Secret Service , the British prime minister is driven by a Specialist Protection officer from the Metropolitan Police Service , and the Canadian prime minister is driven by a Protective Services officer from the RCMP . In some cases state cars may bear standard number plates; in others special or no plates are used. In countries that have domestic automobile manufacturers,
6624-402: The liscence plate. The prime minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo uses an Audi A6 . Federal government officials drive cars with number plates starting with an "A" followed by one to three numbers. Regional government officials drive cars with number plates starting with an "E" followed by one to three numbers. Members of parliament and the senate drive cars with number plates starting with
6716-622: The monarch at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam , where they receive a guard of honour formed by the Grenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment upon arrival. It is here where all matters of state and bilateral meetings take place over the course of the visit. During a state visit, the Dutch monarch always hosts a state dinner in honor of the guest, sometimes at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and at other times at
6808-636: The official program includes at least the laying a wreath on Marshal Mannerheim 's grave at the Hietaniemi Cemetery , and a visit to the Parliament House or the Helsinki City Hall . The visit usually ends with state dinners held at the Presidential Palace, where the heads of state give their speeches. State arrival ceremonies are held at either the Elysee Palace or Les Invalides , with
6900-685: The participation of the Infantry and Fanfare Band of the French Republican Guard Band and the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Republican Guard . The Vestibule d'Honneur (Hall of Honour) in the Elysee is where the president of France meets visiting dignitaries and holds bilateral meetings. Towards the end of the visit, the head of state or governments will give a speech at the Palais Bourbon to
6992-739: The president for regular transportation is a 2011-model armored version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid . The car is also used as escort car for the presidential motorcade. The Fusion was first used in June 2008 when it replaced a 2004 Chevrolet Omega . In February 2012 the Brazilian government bought 12 Canadian-built Ford Edge models, 10 of which armored, for the use of President Dilma Rousseff and her security team. Since then, besides Ford Edge and Fusion Hybrid, some Ford Bronco Sport and Mitsubishi Outlander models have been used as part of agreements with
7084-519: The prime ministerial fleet were white armored Holden Caprice and Ford Territory The prime ministerial vehicle is also escorted by police vehicles from state and federal authorities. The prime minister's car bears the number plate C1 (meaning "Commonwealth One") and a centrally mounted Australian flag . The prime ministerial car fleet operates as part of COMCAR, a division of the Australian Government's Department of Finance . In 2013, BMW
7176-556: The promotion of Japan's foreign policy through personal connections with Japanese experts, and to promote pro-Japan in the medium- and long-term through briefings with private experts, Japanese cultural experiences, and local visits. During the state visits by people belonging to the upper two categories, guards of honour are mounted by the Imperial Guard of the National Police Agency and the 302nd Military Police Company of
7268-422: The protocol services is to take care of receiving, escorting, accommodation, transportation and meal arrangements for guests. In Finland, state visits usually follow a certain pattern that has already become a tradition. The official reception ceremonies take place in front of the Presidential Palace or alternatively at Helsinki Airport . At the reception ceremony, the head of the visiting country, together with
7360-445: The rear by almost 90 degrees. Opaque panels over the rear window of the cars can either be installed for added privacy or removed for added visibility of the occupants. For protection of the occupants, the bodywork and glass are armoured, the cabin can be sealed air-tight in case of gas attack and is also blast-resistant, and the tyres are kevlar -reinforced. The Bentleys are used mostly on official engagements and are always escorted by
7452-403: The relevant governor-general undertook state visits for his or her respective country on the sovereign's behalf. However, the Queen occasionally made some state and official visits representing one of her other Commonwealth realms. State visits typically involve some or all the following components (each host country has its own traditions): The visiting head of state (or their representative)
7544-478: The royal family are usually escorted by a Secret Service escort consisting of a Volvo S80 V8 or a Mitsubishi 380 . Cabinet ministers and visiting foreign dignitaries are driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W221 S350L, while other senior ranking officials are driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W211 E280. The sultan drives a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the 2009 facelifted G55 AMG instead of the W163 ML55 AMG. The cars of
7636-520: The ruling party. The president of the State of Israel , in his or her position as head of state, leads the welcoming events and is the official host of foreign leaders who visit Israel . A guard of honor made up of personnel of all the service branches of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are usually lined up at the main V.I.P terminal of Ben Gurion International Airport . During some state visits,
7728-535: The second unity of the Togg T10X a turkish electric car. The Prime Minister of Bahamas , Philip Davis , uses an BMW I7 , escorted by a motorcade consisting of a Toyota Land Cruiser J200 a Ford Explorer and a Chevrolet Tahoe . Davis's previous vehicle was a Mercedes W221 S500 . The Current King of Bahrain , Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa , rides in a red Mercedes S Class W221 and uses a Mercedes 600 Landaulette as
7820-536: The state residences all over the country. State visits to Mexico City are held on a regular basis. Arrival ceremonies are usually held at the National Palace , the president's workplace or at Mexico City International Airport . On certain occasions, a full honors ceremony with the participation of the National Guard 's Presidential Guards Corps are held at Campo Marte , where the corps' two military police brigades are stationed. The arrival ceremony begins with
7912-560: The state visit traditionally comes to a close with a state banquet at the Castle of Laeken , which is the official residence of the king of the Belgians. It is customary to be awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold during state visits. The Office of Protocol coordinates the operational aspects of state and official visits to Canada and manages all events that are related to
8004-478: The tri-service honor guard of the Republic of China Armed Forces , led by a colonel. After inspecting the troops, the president of Taiwan delivers welcome remarks, after which the foreign leader speaks, before receiving a key to the city from the mayor of Taipei , and the director of the Department of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then introducing members of the cabinet to the dignitary and members of
8096-489: The two countries (the Himno Nacional Mexicano is always played first). Then the president of Mexico introduces members of his or her cabinet before the visiting dignitary introduces members of their delegation accompanying them on this visit. After this is done, the commander of the National Guard's honour guard company then delivers the following report to the dignitary: The president and the dignitary then inspect
8188-476: The visit. It also defines the protocol standards for state visits of heads of state and government. The Governor General's Foot Guards , one of two household foot guards , take part in state and official visits to Ottawa . Arrival ceremonies take place at either Parliament Hill or Rideau Hall , where the visitor will be received by the governor general of Canada (for state visits) or prime minister of Canada (for official visits). State visits also include
8280-541: Was announced that the Bentley State Limousines would both be converted to run on biofuel . The vehicle was showcased at the 2013 Coronation Festival in Buckingham Palace Gardens. The two limousines are said to be valued at £ 10 million each. British textile manufacturer Hield Brothers produced the lambswool sateen cloth used for the upholstery of the rear seats. The unique bodywork
8372-516: Was built by Bentley's Mulliner coachbuilding division. Only two of these vehicles were built, making it even rarer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV , of which just 18 were built for royalty and heads of state. Official state car An official state car is a automobile used by a government to transport its head of state or head of government in an official capacity, which may also be used occasionally to transport other members of
8464-506: Was selected to provide a fleet of 7 Series High Security (F03) vehicles as part of a tender to replace the ageing armoured Holden Caprice fleet that formerly transported the Australian prime minister. The off-the-shelf replacements offered greater protection and better value for money. A BAE and GM-Holden consortium also bid for the contract. Senior government figures in Austria drive in
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