FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Charles III's first visit to the US takes place in a climate of political tension, with symbolic details receiving special attention
King Charles III and Queen Camilla had just stepped off the plane when the media noticed a significant detail: Camilla was wearing a brooch with the flags of both countries on her pink coat. According to the New York Times, it was the Cartier brooch that Queen Elizabeth II had received during her first state visit to the United States in 1957.
At the time, relations were strained by the conflict over the Suez Canal. Today, the war with Iran has torn the two countries apart. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to involve Britain in this war. Donald Trump called him a “coward” and threatened to no longer support British control of the Falkland Islands off the coast of Argentina.
Even before the war with Iran, there were tensions. Trump's MAGA movement considers Britain a "failed country," accusing it of restricting freedom of speech and losing control over immigration. Trump has also downplayed the British role in the war in Afghanistan.
A difficult test for the king
Against this backdrop, Charles III is making his first visit to the United States as king. Officially, the visit is intended to honor the United States' jubilee year: 250 years of independence from Britain. However, the British broadcaster BBC calls this the king's toughest test yet.
There is hope that Charles will contribute to reducing tensions: Trump, who is often attributed with a king-like style of behavior, has a weakness for gold and is a declared admirer of the royal family. He recently called Charles III a “friend” and a “fantastic man.” However, this is no guarantee. Visits to a sitting president are not without risks, as previous experience has shown.
There were no reported incidents on the first day. The royal couple were welcomed Monday afternoon at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. with military honors. The reception then took place at the White House. Camilla had changed her outfit and appeared in a white embroidered coat, while Melania Trump wore a light yellow suit.
CNN described the visit so far as “very British.” The public has only gotten these details: it is not known what was discussed, but footage shows that tea with cakes was served at the White House. The ladies sat on a sofa, while the men sat in chairs. Later, Charles III and Camilla attended a garden reception with about 600 guests at the British embassy.
The visit continues with a private meeting between the president and the king in the Oval Office, a speech by Charles III to Congress, and a state banquet.
On Wednesday, the royal couple is expected to travel to New York to lay a wreath at the memorial to the September 11, 2001 attacks. A meeting with representatives of indigenous communities engaged in nature protection is planned for Thursday.
The first hotdog and a dance with John Travolta
The first official state visit by a serving British monarch to the US took place in June 1939, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother, visited the country before World War II.
During a picnic hosted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is said that the king tried a hotdog for the first time.
Charles' first official visit to the US took place in 1970. As a 21-year-old prince, he met with President Richard Nixon. In 1985, Prince Charles was hosted at the White House by Ronald Reagan. A memorable moment from that visit was when Princess Diana danced with actor John Travolta to the music from the movie "Saturday Night Fever." /Adapted from SZ /
I think he is asking King Charles how to become King of Amerika.