What is a state visit in protocol?

A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country, at the invitation of the head of state of that foreign country, with the latter also acting as the official host for the duration of the state visit. Speaking for the host, it is generally called a state reception.

What is the difference between a state visit and an official visit?

State visits can only occur on the invitation of the president of the United States, acting in his capacity as head of the United States. Official visits, in contrast, are usually visits by the chief of government of a foreign state.

What is the purpose of a state visit?

A state visit is a formal visit by the head of state of one country to the head of state of another country. A state visit is the highest level of international visit, and its purpose is to confirm the good relationship between the countries concerned.

What is diplomatic visit?

1 of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats. 2 skilled in negotiating, esp. between states or people. 3 tactful in dealing with people.

What is a royal dignitary?

a person of high official position or rank, esp in government or the church.

What does the queen do on state visits?

Around 150 guests are usually invited on the basis of their cultural, diplomatic or economic links to the country being hosted. Before dinner is served, The Queen makes a speech and proposes a toast to the visiting Head of State, who replies and in return proposes a toast to Her Majesty.

What is a working visit?

A “working visit” is the next in the rank of visits. A working visit is extended to a chief of state or head of government at the invitation of the U.S. president. A working visit normally consists of a meeting with the president at the White House, but without a luncheon, dinner or formal press availability.

How do you greet the royal family?

For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way. On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am,’ pronounced with a short ‘a,’ as in ‘jam’.