King Charles and Queen Camilla met with President and Mrs. Trump at the White House Monday, marking the first U.S. visit of his reign.
Royal Visit Begins at the White House
On Monday afternoon, the King and Queen arrived at the White House, where they were greeted by the Trumps. The President and First Lady hosted Charles and Camilla for tea and then showed them the White House apiary. The First Lady recently unveiled a new beehive resembling a miniature White House.
Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. History
This visit marks King Charles’s first trip to the U.S. as monarch and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States. On Tuesday, the King is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress, stating that the long history between the two nations is one of reconciliation and renewal, according to AFP.
Tensions Surrounding Iran and NATO
Following the meeting with the Trumps, the royal couple attended a reception at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington. The visit is seen as an opportunity to improve relations between the U.S. and the UK, amid criticism from Trump regarding British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and also to address issues within NATO.
Trump Criticizes NATO’s Stance on Iran
Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with NATO members’ reluctance to engage in the conflict with Iran alongside Israel. Initially, the British Prime Minister agreed to allow the use of British bases by U.S. aircraft for bombing Iran, but only for defensive purposes. London stated it would not join the war and deemed U.S. actions lacked legal basis. Trump responded by saying Starmer is not Winston Churchill and accused him of lacking leadership.
Four-Day Visit Includes Multiple Engagements
During the four-day state visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to meet with the Trumps three times. The King’s itinerary also includes a visit to a national park (likely Shenandoah in the Appalachians) in Virginia, a commemoration of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and a meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
