President Tony Tan Keng Yam is to make his first state visit to meet Queen Elizabeth II in Britain in October.

The three-day trip was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which said Dr Tan and his wife Mrs Mary Tan have accepted an invitation to visit Britain.

The trip will start on Oct 21, and the President and Mrs Tan will stay at Buckingham Palace.

The AFP report added that British Prime Minister David Cameron had discussed the state visit with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday during his weekly audience with her.

"I was discussing this with Her Majesty last night and she is very much looking forward to it," said Mr Cameron according to the report.

"It's excellent news and a moment, I think, to demonstrate our close economic, political and strategic ties," he added.

The announcement comes during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to London.

The PM met with Mr Cameron for talks at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, and later received London's Freedom of the City award at a dinner hosted by London's lord mayor and the City of London.

He is to give a talk at Chatham House today.