King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in the USA
British King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the USA. This is the first visit by a British monarch since 2007.
Upon arrival, the King and Queen were greeted by a government delegation on a red carpet. The couple received flowers from two small children, after which they were welcomed by the British Ambassador to the USA, Christian Turner, and the Head of Protocol at the White House, Monica Crowley.
Subsequently, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump received them at the White House. A private tea was held, after which the British royal couple and the US President with the First Lady attended a reception in the garden of the British Ambassador's residence in Washington, with a wider circle of guests. The last such garden reception in Washington was hosted by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939.
This trip takes place against the backdrop of a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, attended by US President Donald Trump and other members of his administration.
In connection with the visit, additional discussions on security matters were held, but Buckingham Palace reported that the visit's program will remain largely unchanged. Trump stated that the King would be in "absolute safety."
The state visit also occurs during a period of serious crisis in Anglo-American relations. Last week, Trump told the BBC that the visit "undoubtedly" could help the countries improve their relations.
On Tuesday, Charles III will address Congress. This will be the second such speech in history: the first was delivered to Congress by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. After that, he and Camilla will travel to New York, where their program includes an event dedicated to the memory of September 11.
According to royal commentator Caroline Aston, this state visit will be a difficult test for the King, both physically and psychologically, considering that he continues treatment for cancer.
It is worth remembering that the King is 77 years old and became the oldest person to ascend to the British throne, Aston added in an interview with the BBC.
On Tuesday, an official welcoming ceremony for the royal couple will take place at the White House. The US Marine Band will perform the anthems of both countries, and the presidential ceremonial battery will fire a 21-gun salute.
Thousands of guests will gather on the South Lawn of the White House: members of the US government, congressmen, military families, and students from the British International School in Washington. Donald Trump will deliver a speech.
Afterward, the presidential couple and the royal couple will exchange gifts and personally greet delegations from both countries.
Following this, the King and Trump will hold a bilateral meeting.
Meanwhile, the Queen and the First Lady will attend an event with American students who will watch and listen to lessons on US and British history using virtual reality headsets and AI.
Also on Tuesday, King Charles III will deliver a speech to the US Congress.
In the evening on Tuesday, the Trumps will host a state dinner in honor of the royal couple. Both King Charles III and President Trump will give speeches at the event.
