President Donald Trump bid an official farewell to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House on Thursday, praising the monarch as “the greatest king” as the four-day state visit drew to a close. The King and Queen were seen off by the President and First Lady Melania in the Diplomatic Reception Room before a final photo opportunity on the South Portico.
Trump, who has previously described the King as a “great friend”, told reporters: “He’s a great king. The greatest king, in my book.” The group exchanged handshakes and pleasantries before the royal couple departed. As they drove away, Queen Camilla rolled down her window to wave goodbye, while Trump gave an “okay” gesture to the press.
The state visit, which began on Monday, aimed to smooth transatlantic tensions over the Iran war. The packed schedule included tea at the White House, a garden party at the British embassy, meetings with tech moguls, a high-profile visit to Congress, and a white-tie banquet. Queen Camilla wore a denim blue wool dress by Anna Valentine and a Tiffany brooch gifted by Melania Trump.
Following the farewell, the King and Queen visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they laid a wreath and posy at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honouring the US-UK military partnership. The visit echoed that of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 during her first state visit to the US.
The couple will later attend a block party celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and visit Virginia. After the state visit, King Charles will travel alone to Bermuda for a three-day royal visit, his first as monarch to a British Overseas Territory.
