The Queen hosts a reception for NATO leaders

Her Majesty The Queen hosted a reception for NATO leaders at Buckingham Palace, to mark 70 years of the Alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty - or Washington Treaty - forms the basis of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). It was signed on 4 April 1949 by 12 founding members.

The NATO alliance is now formed of 29 countries. It exists to protect the people and territory of its members, and is founded on the principle of collective defence.

NATO leaders were in London to attend the NATO Leaders’ Meeting 2019.

The Queen was joined by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as they greeted Heads of State and Government, and their spouses or partners, in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace before hosting a small reception in the Green Drawing Room.

The Princess Royal, The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also welcomed NATO leaders, members of the delegations and NATO staff in the Picture Gallery.