King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to meet President Donald Trump today as part of their four-day state visit to the United States, a trip many hope will strengthen the 'special relationship' between the two nations. The royal couple arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday afternoon, marking the King's first state visit to the US as monarch and the first by a British monarch since 2007.
Tuesday's Schedule
The second day of the visit begins with a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House at 10:35 AM local time (3:35 PM BST). The ceremony includes a military arrival with both national anthems played by the US Marine Band, followed by a 21-gun salute from the Presidential Salute Battery. The couples will inspect the military escort and review the corps.
Following the ceremony, King Charles and President Trump will participate in a receiving line with official delegations. At around 11:10 AM local time, the King and Queen will sign the White House guest book and exchange gifts with the President and First Lady. A bilateral meeting between King Charles and President Trump is scheduled for 11:40 AM in the Oval Office. The King is also expected to address both houses of Congress during the day.
In the evening, President and Mrs. Trump will welcome the royals at 7:00 PM for a tour and document viewing, followed by another receiving line and a state dinner in the East Room.
Wednesday's Plans
On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla will travel to New York to visit the 9/11 Memorial, marking the approaching 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. They will meet with first responders and families of victims. Queen Camilla will also visit the New York Public Library to donate a specially made toy of Winnie-the-Pooh character Roo, completing a set of original teddy bears that inspired A.A. Milne's stories.
Thursday's Farewell
The royals will bid farewell to the President and First Lady on Thursday before heading to Virginia for community activities, including a celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and meetings with indigenous communities on climate change projects. The King will then visit Bermuda following the state visit.
Monday's Highlights
On Monday, Charles and Camilla were greeted by President Trump and Melania Trump at the White House's South Portico for a private afternoon tea in the Green Room. They also visited the White House beehives, and later attended a garden party at the UK ambassador's residence, where Camilla spoke with charity leaders combating child exploitation. The King ended the day chatting with Olympic diver Tom Daley about their shared love of knitting.
