King Charles III has arrived in Bermuda after wrapping up a four-day state visit to the United States, marking his first visit as the reigning monarch to a British overseas territory. The King landed on Thursday after departing Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where he had waved goodbye before boarding his flight. A formal welcome is expected during his stay on the island.
Farewell at the White House
Earlier in the day, Charles and Queen Camilla visited the White House to bid farewell to Melania and Donald Trump. The US president called Charles the “greatest king” and said: “We need more people like that in our country.” The farewell lasted less than 10 minutes before the royal couple departed for their final engagements in Virginia.
Final Day of US Visit
The final day of the US visit also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery, an event marking 250 years of American independence at Front Royal in Virginia, and a visit to the Shenandoah National Park. At Arlington, Charles was greeted with a 21-gun salute before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, at Shenandoah National Park, a bald eagle, the American national symbol, was presented by a park ranger.
Virginia Stop Brings Bluegrass Welcome
King Charles III and Queen Camilla spent their final US hours in Front Royal, Virginia, attending a street event with marching bands and bluegrass music. A spread of apple-butter doughnuts, pulled pork, crab tots, jerk chicken wings, burgers and Girl Scouts’ cookies was laid out as part of a “potluck” meal; however, Charles and Camilla did not eat. Residents of the town of about 15,000 turned out with British and American flags, with locals calling it their most notable visit since Bing Crosby in 1950.
Trump Calls Charles ‘the Greatest King’
Donald Trump called King Charles III “the greatest king, in my book” as the monarch ended his US visit during a White House send-off. The two leaders briefly appeared alongside Queen Camilla and Melania Trump before the royal motorcade departed. Trump also waved off the couple with a thumbs-up, adding: “We need more people like that in our country.” Earlier in the week, the White House shared a photo of the two men captioned “TWO KINGS.”
Charles Wraps US Visit with Trump Farewell
King Charles III and Queen Camilla ended their four-day US state visit with a brief farewell to US president Donald Trump at the White House, closing a trip aimed at reinforcing transatlantic ties. The visit, timed to mark 250 years since American independence, also carried a diplomatic objective: repairing strains in relations over the Iran conflict. Trump struck a warm tone on the final day, describing Charles as a “great friend” and suggesting the monarch’s personal rapport could help ease tensions with UK prime minister Keir Starmer, telling reporters: “When you like the king of a country so much, it probably helps your relationship with the prime minister.”
The King Will Be 'Raising a Dram' to Trump Over Tariff Rollback
King Charles is reportedly pleased that President Donald Trump will roll back U.S. tariffs on U.K. whisky, a move the president announced after this week’s royal visit. “The King has been informed of President Trump’s warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told the Press Association on Thursday. “His Majesty will be raising a dram to the president’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable state visit for both their majesties in this special anniversary year.”
The King's Friday Agenda in Bermuda
King Charles landed in Bermuda on Thursday evening, and tomorrow he has a busy day of stops ahead. He will begin with a visit to King’s Square, in St. George’s, where he will be received by the Royal Bermuda Regiment and dignitaries before proceeding to St Peter’s Church. Then he will head to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, and Trunk Island to learn about local nature and the protection of wildlife in the island nation. Later in the day, Charles will head to City Hall and Arts Centre in Hamilton and the National Museum of Bermuda, where he will be greeted by the National Gombey Troupe and visit the Queen’s Exhibition Hall. Finally, he will conclude his day of stops by meeting Commonwealth athletes ahead of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games this summer.
'We're Celebrating Today': Beverage Industry Thankful Trump Dropped UK Whisky Tariff
Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the U.S.-based Distilled Spirits Council trade group, is one of a number of industry figures celebrating President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would drop its tariffs on U.K. whisky. The announcement means American and U.K. distillers can, among other things, swap whisky casks commonly used in the aging process without a 10 percent levy on goods coming into the U.S. The change "will contribute mightily to the U.S. hospitality industry,” Swonger told USA Today. “The U.S. and U.K. whiskey industry is so intertwined.” "We're just thankful President Trump made this commitment to the king and we're celebrating today,” he added. “Toast, not tariffs."
'A Dram Fine Job': Cheers (in More Ways Than One) as Trump Announces Whisky Tariff Rollback After King's Visit
Distillers on both sides of the Atlantic likely raised a glass on Thursday evening, after President Trump announced he was dropping U.S. tariffs on U.K. whisky in honor of the king’s recently concluded visit. The Sun captured the mood with a headline story for its upcoming Friday edition featuring the headline, “DRAM FINE JOB YOUR MAJESTY.” Trump lifts tariffs on whiskey ‘in honor of the King and Queen’ after state visit.
Mark Carney Thanks King for Visiting Canadian Memorial at Arlington
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada thanked King Charles for visiting an important WWI memorial at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Thursday as part of the king’s U.S. tour. “Today, His Majesty the King paid his respects before the Canadian Cross of Sacrifice at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States,” Carney wrote on X, originally in French. “This monument pays tribute to the Americans who, driven by a sense of duty and the will to fight for freedom, enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in the years leading up to the official entry of the United States into the First World War. It was subsequently rededicated to include all Americans who enlisted in the Canadian Forces during the Second World War and the Korean War.”
