WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and King Charles III greeted each other warmly on Tuesday as the monarch began a day of diplomacy in Washington designed to emphasize a bond between the United Kingdom and the United States that is so strong it can withstand the political turmoil of the moment.

Under gray, drizzly skies, Trump welcomed Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House in a ceremony on the South Lawn, with the president quipping that it was a “beautiful British day.” The king shook hands with members of Trump's Cabinet and joined the president for a rendition of the national anthem.

The royal visit comes at a challenging moment for U.S.-U.K. relations but is intended as a celebration of America's 250th anniversary of independence from Britain. In his welcome remarks, Trump highlighted the shared history between the two countries and sought to draw a line from King John's sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215 to the American Revolution.

“American patriots today can sing, ‘My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty,’ only because our colonial ancestors first sang, ‘God save the King,’” Trump said.

The two leaders huddled in the Oval Office for a meeting that was closed to the public, reducing the potential for the freewheeling, sometimes controversial meetings with foreign officials that have become routine during Trump’s second term. Afterward, Trump said it was a “really good meeting” and Charles is a “fantastic person.”

Charles will later address the U.S. Congress, only the second monarch to do so. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered a similar speech in 1991 highlighting the historic ties between both countries and the importance of their democratic values, themes Charles will likely reinforce on Tuesday. Such addresses are an opportunity afforded to only the most prominent world leaders, including Pope Francis, Václav Havel and Winston Churchill.

King's most extensive public remarks may come during congressional address

The congressional speech will likely mark the most expensive public remarks Charles will deliver during his four-day visit to the U.S. He's expected to address the Saturday shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in a sign of solidarity and support.

He will also acknowledge tensions that have surfaced between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting that the two countries have not always agreed but have always found ways to come together.

Trump’s up-and-down relationship with Starmer has taken a particularly sour turn over the past several months as the Republican president has sought to rally international support for the war in Iran. Trump criticized Starmer, who has largely resisted his overtures, by saying “this is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with.”

Source: WPLG