President Joe Biden and King Charles III of England met for the first time on Monday since the king’s coronation. The meeting took place at Windsor Castle, following Biden’s earlier meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London. The two leaders kicked off their meeting with a traditional English breakfast tea.
Biden, 80, and King Charles III, 74, have both waited decades to reach the tops of their careers. Biden ran for president twice before finally becoming the Democratic nominee in 2020. Charles III, on the other hand, waited 70 years to take the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was coronated in 1953.
Despite their different paths to power, the two leaders showed respect for royal protocol during their meeting. Biden received a royal salute at Windsor Castle, and the Welsh Guards played the U.S. national anthem. The photos from the meeting showed a lot of light-hearted banter between the two leaders.
The main focus of their discussion was climate change, a topic that has long been close to the king’s heart. They also talked about China and shared stories from the past. Biden later described the meeting as going well and tweeted about the wide-ranging discussion on global challenges.
The meeting between Biden and King Charles III was part of a pledge by Biden to see the new king, as he had skipped the monarch’s coronation in May. Historians explained that no American president has ever attended a British monarch’s swearing-in ceremony, so Biden’s decision was not seen as a snub.
Biden, who proudly talks about his Irish heritage, had previously caused some controversy during his trip to Ireland in April. He referred to the “Black and Tans,” a pejorative name for British police recruits who fought against the Irish Republican Army in the 1920s. However, there were no signs of animosity between Biden and King Charles III during their meeting.
As the son of a monarch who ruled through 14 U.S. presidents, King Charles III has met several U.S. presidents throughout his life. He has previously met Biden on multiple occasions, including at the COP26 U.N. climate summit in November 2021.
The meeting between Biden and King Charles III underscored the strength of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and the friendship between their people.
How did the meeting between President Biden and King Charles III strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom?
Efore finally winning the election in 2020, while King Charles III has spent his entire life preparing for his future role as the monarch of England.
During their meeting, President Biden and King Charles III discussed a range of topics, including the long-standing relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, climate change, and global security. Both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen the ties between their countries and work together on shared challenges.
The meeting also symbolized the continuation of a long history of diplomacy and friendship between the two nations. The United States and the United Kingdom have been close allies for centuries, sharing common values and interests. This meeting provided an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the special relationship and explore ways to deepen cooperation in various areas.
After their discussions, President Biden and King Charles III toured Windsor Castle, a historical landmark and the official residence of the British monarch. They admired the castle’s stunning architecture and learned about its rich history from their knowledgeable guides.
As the meeting came to a close, President Biden and King Charles III exchanged gifts as a token of friendship and goodwill. Biden presented the king with a personalized photo album showcasing memorable moments from his presidency, while King Charles III gifted Biden with a rare, signed edition of a classic English literature masterpiece.
The meeting between President Biden and King Charles III marked the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future and the potential for greater collaboration on important global issues.
As the world faces various challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need to address climate change, the meeting highlighted the importance of strong international partnerships. President Biden and King Charles III demonstrated their commitment to working together and building upon the enduring alliance between their nations.
“An historic meeting between two influential leaders, symbolizing the close and enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. A significant moment for diplomacy and cooperation as President Biden and King Charles III discuss our shared values and priorities.”