King Charles III of Britain faces challenge in US visit

As King Charles III prepares for his upcoming visit to the United States, he is expected to live up to the example set by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II charmed Congress in 1991 with a speech celebrating the common democratic traditions of the UK and the US, quoting Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Emerson, and highlighting the deep ties between the two nations.

These themes will also be at the forefront of King Charles’ agenda as he celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US and seeks to ease tensions over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s refusal to support President Donald Trump’s war against Iran, according to historian Douglas Brinkley.

“We must always differentiate between the UK government and the kings and queens of Britain, who always come to try to present a good image,” said Brinkley to the Associated Press. “Politics come and go, prime ministers and presidents come and go, but there is something deeper in the special relationship between the US and the UK.”

Charles and Queen Camilla will kick off their four-day trip on Monday, meeting with President and First Lady Melania Trump, and visiting the White House beehive to honor the king’s commitment to environmental causes. The official arrival ceremony will take place on Tuesday, featuring a 21-gun salute, national anthems, and a parade of US troops before the meeting between President Trump and King Charles.

Behind the pomp and circumstance lies a carefully orchestrated diplomatic event, as all royal visits are at the request of the British government. Despite tensions, Trump has continued to speak warmly of King Charles.

“History has shown that President Trump truly strives to make a good impression whenever he deals with the British royalty,” noted Brinkley. “And I’m sure it will be the same this time.”

Since 1939, when King George VI became the first British monarch to visit the US, there has been a special buzz whenever the royal family travels to the States.

The first visit took place during World War II. The royal family toured the East Coast, including a “picnic” at President Roosevelt’s private residence in Hyde Park. “The king tries a hot dog and asks for more,” reported The New York Times.

The highlight was when the royal family visited Mount Vernon to lay a wreath on George Washington’s grave, demonstrating respect during a time of isolationism.

“People saw the inevitable coming and knew it would be crucial for the US and the UK to stay strong to fight Hitler,” said presidential expert Barbara Perry.

Fraternizing over hot dogs had broader impact, helping the royal family build connections with the public and its leaders. After the war broke out in September 1939, Queen Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt expressing gratitude for American support.

Strengthening relationships

Queen Elizabeth II strengthened these ties with 4 state visits to the US during her 70-year reign. She helped President Gerald R. Ford celebrate the US Bicentennial in 1976 and met with President George W. Bush in 2007 during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These trips aimed to ease tensions and remind both parties of their common bonds.

King Charles’ visit will be no exception, including commemorations of 9/11, a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers, and an event attended by Queen Camilla to mark the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories.

The royal family will not meet with Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, despite calls for the king to address his brother’s ties to the convicted sex offender. There are no plans for Charles to meet his son Prince Harry, who has been critical of the monarchy since stepping back from royal duties and moving to California.

Charles’ speech to a joint session of Congress offers the opportunity to convey the message that long-term friendship is more important than temporary differences.