King Charles and Queen Camilla have bid farewell to the United States following their four-day state visit, sharing a heartfelt message with the American people. In a social media post, the couple expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and support they received during their first official visit to the US as monarchs.
The message, accompanied by a new photograph of the royals taken at Blair House, described how they leave 'a piece of our heart' behind and take a little of America back with them. The image shows Charles and Camilla gazing at each other in the Jackson Place sitting room, with a second picture featuring the Manhattan skyline, including the Statue of Liberty and the illuminated Empire State Building.
The visit, which marked the 250th anniversary of American independence, also saw President Donald Trump agree to lift tariffs on Scottish whisky following personal intervention by the King and Queen. Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scottish Distillers Association, said 'distillers can breathe a little easier'. Trump credited the royal couple with achieving what others could not, while a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the King's gratitude for the decision.
After concluding the US trip, the King travelled to Bermuda for a solo tour. He was greeted by Governor Andrew Murdoch and Premier David Burt at LF Wade International Airport, with a modest guard of honour from the Royal Bermuda Regiment. A full ceremonial reception with a 21-gun salute is planned for Friday.
