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Message from His Majesty The King Charles III to His Excellency President Ramaphosa

Message from His Majesty The King Charles III to His Excellency President Ramaphosa on the occasion of South Africa's day of Freedom and Democracy.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

Dear Mr President,

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency, and the people of the Republic of South Africa, as you celebrate your National Day.

I look forward to our continuing warm friendship and to the strong and close partnership between our two countries, including as members of the Commonwealth, where 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter.

As we face these challenging times, our working together for prosperity, democracy and peace and critically, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, is all the more important.

I have always cherished my visits to South Africa and remember fondly the warm receptions repeatedly given to me by the people of South Africa.  It was the greatest pleasure to be able to welcome you to the United Kingdom last November for the first State Visit of my Reign.

As you and South Africans everywhere celebrate today, my wife joins me in sending you our warmest good wishes for the year ahead.

Charles R.

Updates to this page

Published 28 April 2023