King Charles and Queen Camilla said they had left a piece of their heart in the US as they concluded their State Visit on Thursday. In an official message, the royal couple thanked Americans for 'the warmth of your welcome and the kind support you gave us' during their four-day trip, which coincided with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Farewell Message
Their Majesties expressed that they had left a piece of their heart behind and taken 'a little of yours back home with us' following the visit, during which the King met with President Donald Trump and delivered a historic address to the US Congress. The message concluded: 'Until the next time… God Bless America.'
As the royal couple departed the US, President Trump announced he would remove all tariffs and restrictions on whiskey imports in honour of their visit. The president stated that the couple 'got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking.' In response, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King sent his 'sincere gratitude' to Mr Trump and noted he would 'be raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness.'
Social Media Post
The Royal Family's official X account posted a farewell message, including an image of the royal couple at Blair House, the president's guest lodging opposite the White House, where they stayed during the visit. Another image featured the New York skyline, with the JPMorgan Chase building lit with a Union flag and the Empire State Building in red, white and blue.
Charles and Camilla were photographed looking at each other in the Jackson Place sitting room, dressed in blue and white respectively. The full message read: 'Farewell and thank you for the warmth of your welcome and the kind support you gave us throughout our first visit to the US as King and Queen, in this, your special anniversary year. We leave a piece of our [heart emoji] behind and take a little of yours back home with us. Until the next time… God Bless America.' It was signed: 'Charles R. & Camilla R.'
Visit Success
The King and Queen's visit, which took them to Washington DC, New York, and Virginia, has been deemed a success by commentators, who praised Charles's speech to Congress and the lifting of whiskey tariffs. Initially seen as a risk due to the US-led war in Iran and President Trump's strong criticism of NATO, the trip proved fruitful. On Thursday, the president hailed Charles as 'the greatest King' and reportedly called the royal couple 'great people.'
Mail columnist Robert Hardman wrote this week that 'for a few days - at least - the relationship is going to be as "special" as it has ever been.'
Bermuda Visit
At the end of the US visit, the King flew to Bermuda for a solo three-day tour. Arriving at LF Wade International Airport at dusk, the UK Government's Airbus flew the Royal Standard and Bermuda flag from the cockpit window. Charles was greeted by Governor of Bermuda Andrew Murdoch, its Premier David Burt and his wife Kristin, with a small guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment standing at attention nearby. The King is set to receive a ceremonial welcome of pomp and pageantry featuring a 21-gun salute on Friday.
