The Queen and Prince Philip bid farewell to Chinese president and first lady

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President Xi Jinping and the First Lady left Buckingham Palace after formal farewell from Queen and Prince Philip
Madame Peng Liyuan, a former folksinger, looked elegant as she arrived at the Royal College of Music in London
President Xi is expected to be joined by Prince Andrew at engagements in the capital before heading to Chequers
David and Samantha Cameron will host a private dinner for the visiting dignitaries in the stately country home
See our full coverage of The Queen and the state reception for China's President

Published: 04:39 EST, 22 October 2015 | Updated: 08:15 EST, 22 October 2015

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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh today bid farewell to the Chinese president and his wife as the London leg of the state visit comes to an end.

The royal couple waved goodbye to the visiting dignitaries outside Buckingham Palace, where President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan have been staying as their guests since Monday.

Madame Peng, a well-known Chinese folksinger, was later seen arriving for an engagement at the Royal College of Music. Wearing an elegant autumn ensemble, the First Lady looked in good spirits as she smiled and waved to waiting photographers.

Mr Xi is expected to be joined by the Duke of York for a number of engagements in the capital before heading to Chequers, David Cameron's country retreat, this afternoon.

It has been reported that the group might enjoy a pub lunch of fish and chips, an apparent request by Mr Xi. The president and Madame Peng will tonight be hosted by the Prime Minister and his wife Samantha for a private dinner at the stately home.

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Farewell: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave goodbye to Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife at Buckingham Palace

Guests: President Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan spoke to Her Majesty at the entrance to the palace, where they have been staying

Elegant: China's First Lady, Madame Peng Liyuan, smiles at waiting photographers as she arrives at the Royal College of Music in London

The visitors will end the day by flying to Manchester, where their four-day visit will come to a close tomorrow.

After a day that focused on multi-billion dollar deals, attention will now turn to China's role on the world stage. The country's response to the rise of Islamic extremism is expected to be high on the agenda for the bilateral talks tonight.

China, along with Russia, blocked a series of Western resolutions at the United Nations against Bashar Assad's brutal regime in Syria. The international community is keenly watching how China responds to the fight against Islamic State following Russian military intervention in the conflict-riven country.

Downing Street said discussions will focus on the 'influence China can bring to the table'.

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said: 'How do we work to tackle extremism, particularly Islamist extremism, make advances on global efforts for a political solution in Syria.

'There may be a number of issues they decide they want to take forward and continue in discussion, but I would expect it to focus more on international and foreign affairs.'

The Prime Minister will also use the talks to raise concerns over Hong Kong directly with the president, she said. Mr Xi has been accused by democracy campaigners of increasing interference in the running of the former colony.

The Queen used the state banquet in Mr Xi's honour at Buckingham Palace to underline former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's vision for 'one country two systems' - an aim that critics fear is being eroded.

Goodbye: The Queen and Prince Philip, seen in the doorway behind, escorted Chinese President Xi Jinping outside the palace

Close ties: The Queen, pictured with Prince Philip, celebrated Britain's strong relationship with China in her speech at the state banquet

Yesterday, president Xi's schedule focused on business and trade deals between China and Britain. The Government hopes this week's state visit will secure more than £30 billion of trade deals, including huge investments in infrastructure projects.

The day started with a touch of glamour. Mr Xi and Madame Peng were greeted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at an event celebrating the creative collaborations between the two nations.

The best of British was put on display at the event, including an outlandish hat by leading British milliner Philip Treacy, a Dalek and Tardis from Doctor Who, and James Bond's Aston Martin. The VIP guests were also treated to a live performance by some of the cast from the hit BBC show Poldark.

There was excitement when Chan met the royal couple, with both William and Kate smiling as they posed for a photo alongside their guests.

Mr Xi later joined the Prime Minister at Downing Street for a working lunch and talks with Cabinet ministers.

Banquet: From left to right, Lady Mayoress Gilly Yarrow, First Lady Peng Liyuan, the Duke of York, President Xi Jinping and the Lord Mayor Alderman Alan Yarrow arrived at Guildhall in London last night

Honoured: At last night's dinner, President Xi was seated between the Lord Mayor of London and Andrew, the Duke of York, pictured

Guests at the 15th century hall in Guildhall wore headsets as they listened to a translation of President Xi's speech at the formal dinner

Top of the agenda was the deal for the China General Nuclear Power Corporation to fund a third of the £18billion cost of the new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset, due to be built by French energy giant EDF.

President Xi hailed it a 'flagship deal' which will see China own a third of Britain's first nuclear power plant for a generation.

The project also aims to create 1,000 apprenticeships alongside £14million of investment in education and training.

Among other initiatives being trumpeted is a £325 million package of partnerships in the creative and technology, including a £50 million deal between Aston Martin and China Equity to develop its zero-emission RapidE sports car.

There will also be a big cut in the cost of repeat-visit visas for Chinese tourists in the hope of attracting more high-spending visitors from the fast-expanding Far Eastern economy.

Last night, Mr Xi and Madame Peng attended a banquet in the Guildhall, in London's financial district, alongside guests including the Duke of York and the Lord Mayor of London.

President Xi Jinping joined the Prime Minister for a working lunch at Downing Street yesterday, followed by talks with Cabinet ministers

David Cameron with President Xi, far right, and members of his Cabinet including, from left, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, Home Secretary Theresa May, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Energy Secretary Amber Rudd and British ambassador to China Barbara Woodward