Welcome to or in?

[Mher]

I am not a teacher.

Anyway, the OP said "high-ranked guests" so that would certainly include monarchs, if any were invited.

It was in post #6 that "officials" was introduced, which only served to confuse the proceedings.

The word "high-ranking" does not necessarily imply a president or a prime minister. Various diplomats, representatives of international organizations and other officials can also be included in the list.

 

[SoothingDave]

Of course, the "VIPs" is too informal. I do not mind about using the "dignitaries", but have you ever met this word in journalism? By the way, according to my dictionary, "dignitaries" are first of all high-ranking clergymen.

Get a better dictionary.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dignitary?s=t

It's not just or especially for clergy.