King Charles and Queen Camilla Arrive for High-Profile US State Visit

King Charles and Queen Camilla Arrive in US for Four-Day Visit

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit. The trip marks the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule, and is the first visit to the country by a British monarch in two decades.

The king and queen touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Monday afternoon, where they were greeted by diplomatic officials, members of the British embassy, and children of British military families stationed in the US. The royal couple then headed to the White House for a private meeting with President Donald Trump.

The visit’s schedule includes an address to the US Congress, a state dinner at the White House, and stops in New York City. The trip has taken on greater prominence following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, where officials said the president and his administration were likely targets.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the king is relieved that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and all guests were unharmed after the security review. The palace stated that the trip will proceed as planned.

The royal couple’s visit to New York City includes commemorating those killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary, as well as marking the centenary of children’s stories featuring Winnie-the-Pooh. The US trip concludes with the king meeting those involved in conservation work.

The British government hopes to use this visit to strengthen ties between the two countries, which are currently at their lowest point since the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Source: Al Jazeera