King Charles to Defend Democratic Values as U.S. State Visit Begins

BBC

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla along with U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day trip and were welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The state visit, by far the most high-profile and consequential of Charles' reign, marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from British rule, and is the first to the country by a British monarch in two decades.

After landing at Joint Base Andrews, the site of a brief arrival ceremony, King Charles and Queen Camilla proceeded to the White House, where they were greeted by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who exchanged kisses on the cheek with the king and queen while the president shook their hands. The four stood briefly for photographers before retreating inside for a private tea.

The king and queen ⁠later appeared at a garden party at the British ambassador’s recently renovated residence, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems.

The King and Queen mingled with a crowd that included media leaders, Washington socialites and officials such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and ambassadors from other countries.

The week's schedule also includes a Tuesday address to Congress, a lavish state dinner at the White House and a Wednesday stop in New York City. 

According to the BBC, The King's speech is also expected to say that in times of great international challenges, it is more necessary than ever to stand together to defend democratic values.

He will note that while the UK and U.S. have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together." He will say that ‌by defending ⁠their shared democratic values the two countries can promote security and prosperity for the world.

King Charles will refer to their partnership as “one of the greatest alliances in human history."

British government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hoping the visit will shore up the future of the two allies' "special relationship," which is at its lowest point since the Suez Crisis in 1956.

The long-planned visit has become entangled in a political dispute between the two countries over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which led Donald Trump to express strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom government for failing to support the offensive.

After visiting Washington, the royals will travel to New York City, where they will commemorate those killed in the 11 September 2001 attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary.

The trip will conclude in Virginia, where the King will meet individuals involved in conservation work, reflecting his five decades of environmental advocacy.

Sources: BBC, Reuters



PUKMEDIA