Queen Camilla offers a guiding hand to Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska as the pair meet at Clarence House following the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion

The Queen met Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska at Clarence House, just days after the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Camilla, 76, was pictured placing her arm behind the back of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife as she led her down a hallway ahead of their meeting on Thursday morning.

The pair – who previously met in November 2022 at a reception at Buckingham Palace to raise awareness about violence against women – were photographed chatting as they sat in the Garden Room of the royal residence in London.

King Charles, who is undergoing ongoing treatment for cancer, remains in London but did not meet the First Lady on Thursday.

Ms Zelenska thanked the Queen for the King’s message of support to Ukraine on the second anniversary of the conflict – and said how much it had meant to her country.

Camilla was pictured putting her arm behind Ms Zelenska’s back as she led her down a corridor ahead of their meeting

Camilla shared what Britain thought about Ukraine as it marked this sad milestone. They also discussed the courage and resilience of Ukrainians and Britain’s determination to support the nation.

They are also believed to have discussed the impact of the war on women and children, the mental and physical scars it left, and how Britain can help care for them.

Ms Zelenska was a guest at the coronation of the King and Queen last May, representing her war-torn country alongside Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

She also attended the late Queen’s funeral and Camilla thanked Ms Zelenska for attending both services.

Camilla has been dubbed the ‘savior’ of the monarchy and has been praised for keeping ‘the show on the road’ during the King’s absence and while the Princess of Wales is recovering from abdominal surgery.

She led the royal family at the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece earlier this week, with the Prince of Wales also absent at the last minute due to an unexplained personal matter.

Camilla’s meeting with Ms Zelenska took place on the advice of the Foreign Office and lasted about 30 minutes, the palace said.

Thursday’s meeting comes after the king praised the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Camilla welcomed the Ukrainian president’s wife to her London residence on Thursday morning

They were talking while sitting in the Garden Room, with their meeting taking place just days after the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Charles, 75, said he is “very encouraged” by the efforts of Britain and its allies to support Ukraine “at this time of such great suffering and need.”

He said: “The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire as the unprovoked attack on their country, lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic year.

“Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted on them, Ukrainians continue to demonstrate the heroism with which the world so closely associates them.

‘They have true courage, despite indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska to new army recruits training here in Britain.

“I remain hugely encouraged that the UK and our allies continue to be at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need.

The king (pictured with the queen) praised the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion

The King (pictured meeting President Zelensky) has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, including during his visit to Britain in February last year

The King said: “The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire as the unprovoked attack on their country, lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic year.”

“My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.”

The king has undertaken many Ukraine-related engagements in Britain since the start of the war, including a visit to a training site for military recruits in Wiltshire.

He has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, including during his visit to Britain in February last year.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, discovered while he was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.

He has begun a schedule of regular treatments but has postponed all public duties and spent much of his time at the royal residence at Sandringham, Norfolk.