WINDSOR, Oct. 24, 2025 — In a symbolic show of solidarity, His Majesty King Charles III received President Volodymyr Zelensky at Windsor Castle on Friday morning, ahead of a pivotal meeting of the Coalition of the Willing—a European-led initiative designed to coordinate long-term support for Ukraine.
Zelensky was greeted in the Quadrangle of Windsor Palace by a Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, accompanied by a Royal Salute and the playing of the Ukrainian national anthem. The ceremony marked the first formal welcome of the Ukrainian leader on British soil.
Following the inspection of the troops, Zelensky held a private audience with King Charles, his third such meeting with the monarch since the start of the war.
Coalition of the Willing: Purpose and Participants
The Coalition of the Willing, launched earlier this year by the United Kingdom and France, is a strategic alliance of European and NATO partners committed to providing long-term security guarantees to Ukraine.
Key objectives include:
- Coordinating military aid and training programs
- Supporting post-war reconstruction and governance
- Exploring the deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force
- Increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia
The summit, hosted in London, brings together leaders including:
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
- UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
- French President Emmanuel Macron, joining virtually
British officials say the meeting will focus on crippling Russia’s war economy, including efforts to curtail oil and gas revenues, and expanding sanctions on dual-use technologies.
Strategic Timing
Zelensky’s visit comes amid renewed Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine and growing calls for Western allies to accelerate weapons deliveries and reinforce Ukraine’s air defence systems.
The Coalition aims to present a unified front ahead of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting next month, where Ukraine’s long-term security architecture will be a central topic.
Summary: King Charles III welcomed President Zelensky at Windsor Castle ahead of the Coalition of the Willing summit in London. The coalition, led by the UK and France, seeks to coordinate long-term military, diplomatic, and economic support for Ukraine, with leaders from NATO and key European nations participating.
Sources:
- Daily Mail – King Charles welcomes Zelensky ahead of summit Daily Mail
- Kyiv Independent – Zelensky arrives for Coalition of the Willing summit The Kyiv Independent
- Independent – Coalition aims to boost Ukraine’s defences The Independent
- Breaking News – Ceremonial welcome for Zelensky BreakingNews.ie
HM King Charles III received Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at Windsor Castle Picture from History & Lives of the British Royals
