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King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down outside Washington this afternoon for their first State Visit to the U.S. The couple arrived at the U.S military facility Joint Base Andrews on a UK government plane at about 2:40 p.m.
The couple was then greeted by Chief of Protocol of the United States, Ambassador Monica Crowley, and the British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner. They were handed posies from children of British military families based in the U.S. before greeting other dignitaries and being serenaded by both countries’ national anthems.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted by U.S. Protocol Chief Monica Crowley.
Queen Camilla followed in the late Queen Elizabeth’s footsteps by choosing an outfit to pay tribute to her hosts. She was wearing a Cartier Union Flag/Stars and Stripes brooch which was presented to the late Queen during her first State Visit to the U.S. in 1957.
The official purpose of the trip is to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but it has become high-stakes as it comes at a time when the “special relationship” is under strain due to the Iran war. The Palace and diplomats are hoping that the King can encourage ties that reach through the ages. However, it will be a tricky balancing act to avoid being dragged into politics or inflaming tensions.
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British Ambassador Christian Turner pictured last month.
“For us, the real purpose of the visit is its ability to recognize and celebrate that our partnership ranges well beyond the government of the day. It’s about the cultural, historical, economic, people to people links that really bind our two countries together,” British Ambassador to the U.S, Sir Christian Turner, told media ahead of the visit. “This State Visit is not about the past, it’s about renewing and revitalizing the unique friendship and supporting the long UK-US relationship to thrive into the next 250 years.”
Buckingham Palace was also moved to confirm yesterday that the visit was still on after discussions were held following the shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner. “The real point is that our respective security teams have been in close touch for weeks, and if there are any operational changes we have to make, we can make them as we go, and we are all very confident that all appropriate security measures are in place,” Ambassador Turner said.
The King and Queen will greet the President and First Lady on the White House Lawn and visit the White House beehives. This evening, they will attend a garden party hosted by the British Ambassador in echoes of the one hosted for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the first State Visit to the U.S. in 1939.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.