King Charles III welcomed at the White House as four-day state visit begins

King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their four-day state visit to the United States on Monday, arriving at the White House where they were welcomed by former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

The visit marks the 250th anniversary of US independence and is King Charles's first state visit to the US since ascending the throne in 2022.

Upon arrival, the royal couple engaged in a brief photo opportunity and small talk with the Trumps before joining them for tea in the White House Green Room.

Later, they visited the south grounds to see a new beehive shaped like the White House, installed by the First Lady, reflecting the King and Queen's shared interest in beekeeping and environmental sustainability.

Following the White House visit, the royals attended a garden party at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The visit comes amid notable strains in the UK-US "special relationship," particularly tensions related to the Iran war and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reluctance to support US military actions.

In recent weeks, Donald Trump has publicly criticized Prime Minister Starmer, contrasting him unfavorably with Winston Churchill and expressing frustration over the UK's stance on Iran.

This diplomatic friction is part of a broader rift between the US administration and NATO allies.

King Charles has visited the US 19 times previously, but this is his first official state visit as monarch.

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