King Charles shakes hands with Zelensky as monarch holds talks at Blenheim Palace

President Zelensky and King Charles

King Charles shook hands with president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to Britain for a government summit

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Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 18/07/2024

- 19:39

President Zelensky hailed the UK's 'resolve' at the European Political Community summit

King Charles shook hands with president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to Britain for a government summit.

More than 40 European leaders attended the event at Blenheim Palace where the monarch was spotted attending the reception.


President Zelensky hailed the UK's "resolve" at the European Political Community summit.

On arriving in Britain, the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media: "I have arrived in the UK to participate in the Summit, hold bilateral meetings with partners, and sign new security agreements.

President Zelensky and King CharlesKing Charles shook hands with president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to Britain for a government summitGetty

"A separate programme is scheduled for our relations with the United Kingdom. I will meet with His Majesty King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, government officials, and executives from defence companies."

King Charles was pictured with Zelensky as the pair shook hands and exchanged words.

The Royal Family wrote on Instagram: "Today The King received the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace.

"The gathering saw 46 European leaders discuss a range of international challenges, opportunities and our common values."

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President of Ukraine shaking hands with King Charles

President Zelensky hailed the UK's 'resolve' at the European Political Community summit

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Zelensky’s meeting with King Charles comes amid the signing of an "intergovernmental agreement" with the UK.

The Ukrainian said: "We will sign an intergovernmental agreement on support for the Ukrainian defence and industrial complex, discuss future defence cooperation, and expand our defence capabilities.

"Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, the UK has been one step ahead in its determination to support Ukraine. This is the kind of resolve we need to stop Russian terror."

The King was seen walking into Blenheim Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - alongside the new Prime Minister this afternoon.

\u200bKing Charles was pictured with Zelensky

King Charles was pictured with Zelensky as the pair shook hands and exchanged words

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Charles appeared to be laughing with Keir Starmer as they walked alongside each other into the venue.

His Majesty was also pictured speaking to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President of France Emmanuel Macron.

The French president thanked the King for attending the event.

It comes after Macron launched the summit in 2022 after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine to bring Europe closer together.

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