King Charles III and Queen Camilla began a visit to Washington on Monday under special circumstances, just after an attack at a gala attended by Donald Trump, amidst diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict in Iran.
The plane bearing the Union Jack landed at a military base near Washington, where the couple was welcomed by several officials on a red carpet.
Upon arrival, Queen Camilla wore a brooch with the American and British flags, depicted in precious stones.
The state visit, from April 27 to 30, is meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and celebrate the ties between the two countries.
“This visit will proceed as planned,” Buckingham Palace announced Sunday, shortly after an armed attacker attempted to force entry during a dinner in the presence of the American president.
The confirmation of the trip pleased the Republican leader, who is fascinated by royal pomp, quick to praise the monarch while criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“He’s a great guy,” Donald Trump said of the king in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, “he represents his country like no one else can.”
Charles III expressed relief upon hearing that Donald Trump had emerged “safe and sound” after gunshots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, outside the room where the president was present.
British Ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, spoke on Sunday of the “immense enthusiasm” of the American president for this visit, through which Donald Trump is reciprocating the lavish reception he received in the UK last year.
Events and Bees
The schedule includes a tree planting ceremony and a visit to the beehives at the White House on Monday.
Tuesday, the most ceremonial day of the trip, will begin with a military welcome ceremony.
Donald Trump and Charles III will have a meeting in the Oval Office, while their wives will participate in an event focusing on education and artificial intelligence.
That same day, the British monarch is expected to address the US Congress, the first of its kind since Elizabeth II in 1991, to ease current diplomatic tensions by invoking the centuries-old relationship between the UK and its former colony turned superpower.
The two couples will reunite for a gala dinner in a small reception room at the White House in the evening.
Epstein
On Wednesday, during a visit to New York, the king and queen will go to the 9/11 Memorial. They will meet Melania and Donald Trump one last time on Thursday before returning to the UK.
Charles III will do everything possible to avoid any discord between London and Washington, a task that may not be easy.
The monarch must steer clear of fuelling the strong criticism in the UK regarding this unpopular visit and ensure he doesn’t inadvertently provoke the unpredictable American president.
In addition to addressing Keir Starmer, the American president has shaken the transatlantic “special relationship” by criticizing the British army and navy, as well as downplaying the British contribution in Afghanistan.
Aside from attacking Keir Starmer, the American president also criticized other British authorities regarding the war in Iran, among other contentious issues.
Against the backdrop of the Epstein case and the affiliation of the king’s brother, Andrew, with the late criminal, there will be keen scrutiny for any reference to this ongoing scandal within the British monarchy.
AFP
