The King recalled the strong bond of affection between his late mother and Nelson Mandela last night as he welcomed the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to Britain.

Charles is hosting his first inward state visit since becoming sovereign. In a speech during the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, he told the president how South Africa “has always been a part of my life” and recalled how the late Queen had pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth in a speech in Cape Town on her 21st birthday.

“It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first state visit we have hosted,” he said.

Cyril Ramaphosa with the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are also participating in a state visit for the first time in their new roles

JUSTIN TALLIS/REUTERS

“During one of my own visits to South Africa,