The wife of Ukraine’s President Zelensky, Olena Zelenska, has been pictured bowing her head in Westminster Hall as she pays her respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Ms Zelenska was spotted entering Westminster Hall, where the late monarch is currently lying in state, just a few minutes before US President Joe Biden arrived on Sunday afternoon.
She is expected to lead representation for war-torn Ukraine at the funeral for the late monarch on Monday.
She was pictured along other members of the Ukrainian contingent, dressed in all black and wearing a golden brooch on her chest.
As she contemplated the solemn occasion, her expression was sombre and she bowed her head in respect.
Ms Zelenska stayed in the hall for several minutes as members of the British public filed past below.
The wife of Ukraine’s President Zelensky, Olena Zelenska, bows her head as she pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and his wife Olena have presented a united front since Russia invaded Ukraine in February
Ukraine’s First Lady was pictured in Westminster Hall at shortly before 4.45pm on Sunday evening.
Her arrival in the UK had been hotly anticipated after it was confirmed that her husband, President Zelensky, would be remaining at home to lead the war effort.
He will remain in Ukraine as his country continues to battle back Vladimir Putin’s invading forces.
Ukraine has pushed Russian forces back and made major gains in the east of the country in recent weeks, forcing Russian troops to regroup to protect its remaining held land.
Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg this morning, head of the British Armed Forces Admiral Sir Tony Radakin painted a bleak picture of Russian prospects in Ukraine and what this means for the Kremlin chief.
‘Putin is failing on all of his military strategic objectives. He wanted to subjugate Ukraine – that’s not going to happen,’ Radakin said.
‘He’s under pressure, his problems are mounting, his forces are thin on the ground… at a strategic level, this is a failure for Putin and Ukraine is fighting to maintain their integrity and to gain more of their country back,’ he added.
Putin, who has previously had an audience with the Queen, has not been invited, despite offering his condolences to the royal family last week.