King Charles commenced his four-day state visit to the US with a meeting at the White House with Donald Trump. Here are the key highlights from Day 1 of the visit.

Ahead of the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the US, facing what may be one of the biggest challenges of Charles’ reign due to strained US-UK relations following a leaked Pentagon memo questioning London’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

Despite tensions, Charles found a friendlier reception with Trump, known for his support of the Royal family, compared to the UK Prime Minister. During their meeting at the White House, a notable moment occurred as they posed in front of a painting depicting Trump post-assassination attempt in 2024.

King Charles, a passionate beekeeping supporter, visited the White House beehive, a miniature replica of the White House, unveiled by Melania. This gesture was likely appreciated by Charles, who maintains beehives at Buckingham Palace.

Later, the royals engaged with guests at the British Embassy in Washington DC, mingling with various dignitaries including House Speaker Mike Johnson and representatives of domestic violence organizations. The visit is seen as crucial for strengthening “people-to-people links” and economic ties between the US and UK.

As the visit progresses, networking efforts between officials of both countries will play a vital role in addressing trade issues exacerbated by tariffs and political decisions. King Charles is scheduled to address Congress, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the US and UK and highlighting the historic alliance between the two nations.