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Royal News

The Queen welcomes Ukraine’s First Lady for talks

Queen Camilla has welcomed the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, to London.

The Queen and the First Lady met at Clarence House

It is understood that Her Majesty discussed the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia with the First Lady.

Olena Zelenska also thanked King Charles for his message of support for Ukraine on the anniversary.

The warm relationship between The Queen and the First Lady was on show as Olena Zelenska arrived at Clarence House. Her Majesty was waiting for her as her car drew up and welcomed her with outstretched arms and a kiss on both cheeks. The Queen later put an arm around Olena Zelenska as they walked through Clarence House.

The two were seen chatting briefly and posed for photos before their private discussions began.

The two have met several times before. Olena Zelenska attended the Coronation in May 2023 and was also among the mourners at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ukraine’s First Lady also took part in a reception hosted by Queen Camilla focused on violence against women in 2022.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.