LONDON - Following Rwanda’s formal acceptance into the Commonwealth and the flag-raising ceremony, President Paul Kagame and the First Lady Jeanette Kagame were hosted by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The reception, at Marlborough House, was attended by over 300 Commonwealth dignitaries invited by Buckingham Palace.

"The reception presented an opportunity for President Kagame to begin to build key relationships with the other Commonwealth members,” a statement released by the president’s office reads.

Shortly after the Flag Raising Ceremony, President Kagame and the First Lady paid a courtesy call on Queen Elizabeth, who is also the head of the Commonwealth, at Buckingham Palace.

Thereafter, President Kagame travelled to Westminster Abbey to participate in a multi-faith service – with The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales– and where the 2010 theme of the Commonwealth, "Science, Technology and Society”, was formally announced.

Earlier in the day, Rwanda’s flag had been raised alongside side 53 other flags of Commonwealth members, formally making Rwanda the 54th member of the group.

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