Summary

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, formally begin a four-day state visit to the UK

  • They took part in a procession down the Mall to Buckingham Palace

  • Thousands of supporters greeted him, but so too did protesters angry at China's human rights record

  • President Xi addressed MPs and peers in Parliament's Royal Gallery

  • A State Banquet will be held on Tuesday evening at Buckingham Palace

  1. End of day onepublished at 21:27 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    That's the end of day one of our live coverage of the state visit. The itinerary for day two includes President Xi visiting Imperial College London before meeting with David Cameron for talks at Downing Street.

  2. Musical entertainmentpublished at 21:20

    The musical entertainment for the banquet is being played by the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra and includes a number of Chinese folk songs - which are likely to be popular with Madame Peng who is a famous folk singer in China.

    Peng Liyuan and Xi Jinping with the Queen
  3. Dinner timepublished at 21:01 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    And now, to dinner. Here's a reminder of what's on offer for guests tonight.

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  4. President toasts Queenpublished at 20:59 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    President toasting Queen

    President Xi raises a toast to Queen and the rest of the Royal Family 

  5. World War Twopublished at 20:51 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    President Xi highlights co-operation between China and the UK during the Second World War. He says China will never forget the support of the UK.

  6. Postpublished at 20:50 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Xi speech

    President Xi is speaking now. He is greeting guests and thanking the Queen. 

  7. Guests stand to toast Mr Xipublished at 20:49 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Banquet

  8. 'Defining moment"published at 20:47 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    The Queen concludes by saying Mr Xi's visit is a "defining moment in this very special year for our bilateral relationship." 

    Quote Message

    I am confident that it will serve to highlight the sincerity and warmth of our friendship and to strengthen relations between our countries for many years to come."

  9. 'Responsibility to co-operate'published at 20:47 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    The Queen says Britain and China are "stewards of the rules-based international system". 

    Quote Message

    We have a responsibility to co-operate on these issues which have a direct bearing on the security and prosperity of all our peoples."

  10. 'International challenges'published at 20:46 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    The Queen praises the "global partnership" between the UK and China. She adds:

    Quote Message

    We have much reason to celebrate the dynamic, growing economic relationship between our countries as well as our success in working together to address pressing international challenges."

  11. 'Far reaching positive effects'published at 20:46 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Recalling late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, the Queen tells the banquet: 

    Quote Message

    Almost thirty years later, Mr Deng’s vision has borne remarkable fruit. Rapid economic growth and development has transformed the lives of people across China and lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty: a huge and historic achievement with far reaching positive effects on people’s lives."

  12. Queen on China visitpublished at 20:44 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Recalling a visit to China with Prince Philip 30 years ago, the Queen says: 

    Quote Message

    It was China’s desire to shape a new future which captivated us the most. We were struck by the energy and enthusiasm with which China’s leaders were forging ahead with a new and ambitious future for the Chinese people."

  13. Queen welcomes Presidentpublished at 20:44 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Greeting President Xi. the Queen says she is "delighted" to welcome the Chinese president and his wife, Madame Peng, to the palace. 

    Quote Message

    Your visit to the United Kingdom marks a milestone in this unprecedented year of co-operation and friendship between the United Kingdom and China, as we celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights."

  14. The top tablepublished at 20:41 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Queen at top table
  15. Queen and President Xi arrivepublished at 20:41 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Here are the Queen and President Xi arriving. They will make speeches before the meal. 

    Queen and President XI
  16. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn arrivespublished at 20:40 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Jeremy Corbyn at State Banquet
  17. PM and chancellor arrivepublished at 20:40 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    David Cameron and George Osborne
  18. What guests will be eating...published at 20:34 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Here's the menu for tonight's banquet:

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  19. Guests arrivingpublished at 20:33 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    Guests are arriving for the State Banquet. Here's Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England (middle). 

    Mark Carney arriving
  20. State Banquet about to startpublished at 20:32 British Summer Time 20 October 2015

    This is the scene inside Buckingham Palace, with the State Banquet due to begin shortly.

    Banquet
    Banquet