Queen Camilla delivered a striking message of unity as she kicked off her four-day state visit to the US with her husband, King Charles. Their Majesties touched down at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington DC, at approximately 7.35pm UK time on Monday.
Symbolic Brooch
Camilla demonstrated impeccable style as she wore a symbol of Anglo-American solidarity. She appeared in a pink Dior coat dress with a brooch fastened to her chest displaying the American stars and stripes crossed with the Union flag. The brooch was given to the late Queen Elizabeth II by New York Mayor Robert Wagner during her state visit in 1957. This represented a crucial strengthening of relations for the UK and US as the visit took place during the peak of the Cold War. The symbolic brooch is crafted in platinum and adorned with rubies, emeralds and diamonds.
Historic Visit
The monarchy's soft power diplomacy remains its most potent tool in advancing the UK's international interests, and Downing Street will be hoping that Charles and Camilla can help place the UK-US special relationship on more solid ground, reports the Express. The beginning of the historic trip - Charles's first to America as King - has been cast into shadow by a gunman who opened fire on Saturday night at a Washington media dinner attended by President Trump and his wife.
Arrival Ceremony
Charles and Camilla were presented with posies from children of British military families stationed in the US, before meeting diplomatic, federal and state representatives and proceeding through an honour cordon formed by US military personnel. The Queen has made three official visits to the US alongside her husband, while Charles made 19 trips across the Atlantic as the Prince of Wales. Prior to their departure from Joint Base Andrews, a military base on the outskirts of Washington, a military band performed the national anthems of both the UK and the US. The royal couple's motorcade then swept into the heart of the capital, where they are due to join Mr Trump and the First Lady for afternoon tea.
