The first meeting has already taken place between Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and King Charles III and Camilla, who practically headed to the White House shortly after landing in the United States for a historic State visit commemorating the 250 years of American independence. This visit occurs at a time of tension between the Donald Trump administration and Keir Starmer's government due to London's lack of support in the war against Iran.
The official visit does not start until Tuesday. However, the American President wanted to honour his distinguished guests by inviting them for tea and having an initial informal meeting. It is important for them to get to know each other, especially since this is the most challenging trip for Charles III since assuming the throne, as his mission is to rebuild the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom, which is currently in tatters.
The Trumps warmly welcomed the British monarchs at the famous South Portico of the White House, where they all posed for an initial photograph. Before entering the building, Charles III and Trump were seen exchanging friendly comments.
The meticulously planned State visit has many objectives but will inevitably be overshadowed by the assassination attempt on Trump on Saturday. On Monday, Charles III became the first international leader to personally offer his full support to the Republican after the incident, a gesture that the White House occupant surely appreciates.
It is no coincidence that one of the places where the Trumps stopped to chat with their guests was a room facing a painting depicting President Trump after the assassination attempt on his life in July 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the campaign. In that assassination attempt, a bullet grazed his ear.
Despite the need to increase security measures following Saturday's Correspondents' Dinner incident, Trump clarified on Sunday morning that the plans would not change. "The king will come. He is a great guy, and we look forward to his visit. He is a fantastic person, an extraordinary and very brave representative," he said. "We will have a great time. And he represents his nation like no one else can," Trump added.
The British monarchs landed on Monday afternoon - US time - at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, just outside Washington.
King Charles, in a blue suit, and Camilla, dressed in pink, were welcomed with a red carpet as they disembarked from their plane and listened to a US military band play the national anthems of both countries.
After tea, Donald and Melania Trump showed the monarchs some more private areas of the White House, including the beehive that the US First Lady has installed in the southern garden of the presidential residence.
The State visit is marked by tension between Washington and London, fueled by Trump's criticisms of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of not providing enough support for the US offensive against Iran or offering assets to help unlock the Strait of Hormuz.
This is the first State visit by a British monarch to the United States since Queen Elizabeth II's fourth visit in 2007. During that six-day trip, the Queen, accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, met with then-President George W. Bush.
On Tuesday, the US President and First Lady will host a State Welcome Ceremony in the White House garden, following the protocol established in the late 18th century. The national anthems of both countries will be played, and military honors will be rendered to King Charles III. The President will deliver an initial speech to his guests.
The morning will be filled with meetings, receptions between the two delegations, the customary exchange of gifts, and a formal meeting between Trump and the king in the Oval Office.
However, the two most significant events of the historic day will take place later. The first is the address to the US Congress in a joint session by the king on his first visit as monarch to the US, where he will highlight the "shared history" and deep ties that unite the two nations beyond current divisions.
And in the evening, the Trumps will host a State Dinner in the East Room at the White House in honour of the sovereigns of the former metropolis.
This will be the first time a member of the British royal family addresses the US Congress since 1991 when Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to speak before the chambers of the former colony.
On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla will travel to New York, where they will join Mayor Zohran Mamdani in laying a floral tribute at the Memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, in which 67 Britons lost their lives.
The monarchs will conclude their trip by visiting a national park in Virginia before returning to Washington, where they will be bid farewell by Donald and Melania on Thursday.