The King and Queen were officially welcomed to the United States with an unprecedented military ceremony on the lawns of the White House. Charles and Camilla observed the display alongside their hosts, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as well as a group of invited dignitaries and hundreds of spectators.
State Visit Commemorates 250th Anniversary
The royal couple arrived in Washington on Monday for the start of a four-day state visit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Shortly after their arrival, the King and President Trump had tea with their wives at the White House. An image from the meeting showed the two men deeply engrossed in conversation.
With the so-called special relationship between the UK and US tested in recent months following a war of words between Mr Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the conflict in Iran, Downing Street officials hope the royal family's soft power diplomacy can help heal the rift. Later, the King will tell Congress that the story of the UK and US since America's independence is "one of the greatest alliances in human history" where the two nations find ways to "come together."
Ceremonial Welcome Details
During the welcome ceremony, the King and Queen stood on a dais with the president and first lady as the UK and US national anthems were played by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. Nearby, a 21-gun salute was fired in tribute to the royal guests by the Presidential Salute Battery.
Senior members of Mr Trump's administration were among the guests, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Steve Witkoff, special envoy for peace missions.
A large number of military units participated in the ceremonial welcome, from the United States Marine Corps Honour Guard to the United States Space Force Honour Guard, who performed in the rain—which stopped before the royals arrived. Before the event began, the crowds were entertained by precision marching and playing by the Drum and Bugle Corps, including the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
The ceremonial welcome included elements familiar to the King, as he was asked to inspect the troops on parade—an honour performed when heads of state visit the UK. Charles walked with Mr Trump past the troops, representing a number of services. The United States Marine Band played the national anthems as the King strode along the line of military personnel, concluding with "The Stars and Stripes Forever" march by John Philip Sousa.
