King Charles III Begins State Visit to US, Meets Trump at White House

(Photo credit: AP) Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla were warmly received by US president Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House on Monday, as their four-day state visit to the United States began. The first day of the visit began with an informal welcome at the White House. In mild Washington sunshine, Trumps hosted the royal couple for tea and cakes before taking them on a tour of the White House grounds, including the carefully maintained South Lawn where the beehives are located. Charles and Trump also exchanged handshakes and brief remarks outside the South Portico, offering a cordial start to the high-profile trip, AFP reported. First lady Melania Trump, dressed in a primrose yellow suit, greeted Charles and Camilla with kisses on both cheeks. Camilla complemented the occasion with a Cartier brooch featuring British and US flags, set in platinum with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Trump also showed the royals a painting depicting the assassination attempt he survived in 2024, just days after a recent shooting incident at a Washington gala. Later in the day, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a garden party at the British ambassador's residence, where guests were served traditional refreshments such as cucumber sandwiches and scones. The gathering was also attended by several prominent figures, including Olympic diver Tom Daley and US House Speaker Mike Johnson. While the public interactions appeared cordial, the visit comes at a sensitive time for US-UK relations. Differences over the US stance on Iran have strained the so-called "special relationship" between the two countries. Despite the tensions, the visit is being positioned as a reaffirmation of historic ties. According to the White House, it aims to "honor the long-standing and special relationship" between the two nations. On the second day of the trip, King Charles is expected to address a joint session of Congress, where he will highlight the enduring partnership between the US and the UK. In excerpts released ahead of the speech, he is set to describe the relationship as one of "reconciliation and renewal." The royal couple, who arrived earlier at Joint Base Andrews to a ceremonial welcome, have a busy itinerary. Following the congressional address, they are scheduled to meet Trump in the Oval Office before attending a formal state dinner at the White House. Later in the week, Charles and Camilla will travel to New York to visit the 9/11 memorial, before heading to Bermuda, marking the monarch's first visit to a British overseas territory since ascending the throne. The four-day visit is intended to celebrate the long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence from the British crown under King George III.