Arrival and Welcome
King Charles and Queen Camilla have commenced a four-day state visit to the United States, marking the first such visit since Queen Elizabeth II's trip in 2007. They arrived at Andrews military airbase in Maryland, where they were welcomed by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and British Ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner, along with other dignitaries.
The royal couple received flowers from two children, followed by performances of the British and American national anthems by a band.
Subsequently, King Charles and Queen Camilla met President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House's South Portico. Despite ongoing construction work at the White House, the royal visitors were hosted for tea in the Green Room and then taken to the garden to view a newly expanded beehive, designed as a miniature White House. This gesture was intended to appeal to King Charles, an avid supporter of beekeeping.
Significance of the Visit
The state visit, conducted on behalf of the UK government, aims to strengthen bilateral relations through soft power initiatives, coinciding with the US's 250th anniversary of independence.
Queen Camilla wore a brooch combining the British and US flags, a piece originally gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II by the New York mayor during a 1957 state visit. That visit was a diplomatic effort to restore US-UK relations following the 1956 Suez Crisis, which had caused tensions over Middle East conflict.
Garden Party at the British Embassy
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a garden party at the British Embassy in Washington DC, which was attended by over 600 guests connected to both the US and UK. Attendees included figures from politics, science, charities, and the military.
The event featured traditional garden party fare such as sandwiches and scones. Notably, the beef sandwiches were made from the first tariff-free batch of British beef imported under a recently negotiated trade agreement.
Among the political attendees were former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Ted Cruz, and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Engagement on Domestic Abuse Campaigns
Queen Camilla spent considerable time speaking with a group of women representing organizations campaigning against domestic abuse. Sandra Jackson, a representative from House of Ruth, which supports survivors of domestic violence, highlighted the Queen's commitment to this cause.
"It's very important to have such advocates and it's a cause very close to her heart,"
Jackson also noted that although there have been calls for the King and Queen to meet survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, this has not occurred due to concerns about potentially affecting ongoing legal proceedings. She expressed respect for their decision and welcomed the attention Queen Camilla is bringing to the issue.
Michelle DeLaune, another campaigner speaking with the Queen, remarked that it signifies progress that such a prominent figure is publicly addressing the issue and raising its importance.
In a BBC interview, Epstein survivor Rina Oh urged the King
"to hear our stories"and stated it would be
"so impactful"if the monarch acknowledged survivors in his upcoming speech to Congress.
Security and Context
Security measures are stringent following a shooting incident in Washington DC at an event attended by President Trump on the preceding Saturday.
King's Address to US Congress
On Tuesday, King Charles will deliver a speech to both houses of the US Congress, becoming the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The address is expected to express sympathy regarding the recent attack and emphasize the necessity of unity in defending democratic values amid significant international challenges.
Royal sources indicate the King will acknowledge existing disagreements between the US and UK but affirm that
"time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together".
His speech will call for
"reconciliation and renewal"of the US-UK partnership and advocate for shared principles of tolerance, liberty, and equality. He is expected to urge the defense of these beliefs, including support for NATO and protection of Ukraine.
The King will highlight that the transatlantic alliance is founded on a
"generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none".
Upcoming Events
Following a ceremonial military welcome at the White House on Tuesday, President Trump will deliver a speech at a state dinner attended by politicians and celebrities from both the US and UK.
The visit comes after a period of strained US-UK relations, with President Trump having criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the UK's cautious stance regarding involvement in the conflict in Iran.
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