The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom appears to be on the mend as Joe Biden has reportedly accepted an invite from the country’s monarch, Queen Elizabeth, to visit the UK for a state visit. This invitation comes just months after Biden was elected as the new President of the United States, marking the latest in a series of positive developments in the relationship between the two countries. Although the precise details of the visit are yet to be confirmed, the news has already been welcomed by both sides, signaling a fresh start in the often rocky history of US-UK relations.
The King of England has extended an invitation to President Joe Biden for a state visit, which the latter has accepted, according to the White House. During a phone conversation on Tuesday, Biden informed the King that First Lady Jill Biden would be in attendance at the King’s coronation in May, even though US Presidents don’t typically attend British monarchs’ coronations. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said, “The president was appreciative of the offer by the King and looks forward to that state visit.” Although Jean-Pierre did not mention a specific timeline for the visit, she did say that it would happen “in the near future.”
Jean-Pierre had some words on the conversation too. She revealed that Biden had talked to the King for about 25-30 minutes, and it was a friendly conversation where the two shared a good relationship. During the conversation, Biden mentioned his visit to Windsor with the first lady in 2021 and his hope of visiting again soon. In response, the King offered him the chance to embark on a state visit, and Biden accepted. There are many shared interests and concerns for the pair to talk about, including climate change, which they will discuss during the visit.
In the meantime, President Biden is set to address the Irish parliament next Thursday during his highly anticipated visit to Ireland. He will begin his trip in Belfast, where he will travel to Dublin, Co. Louth, and Co. Mayo—his ancestors’ hometowns. As part of his visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, he will address TDs, senators, and MEPs in the Dail chamber.
Speaking about the visit in the media, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated that it would provide an opportunity to “advance issues discussed during the Washington DC visit two weeks prior.” He also said, “The number one objective of President Biden’s visit to Ireland is to welcome a son of Ireland home, to welcome home a great Irish American President, and to cement and strengthen the really good relationship that we have at the moment with the US.”
Moreover, Biden will deliver a public address outside St. Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, Co. Mayo, next Friday evening. The statement also said that “Given the deep, historic ties between Ireland and the United States of America, both the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach are very much looking forward to welcoming the President to Leinster House.” Notably, Biden will become the fourth US President to address the Oireachtas, following John F. Kennedy in June 1963, Ronald Reagan in June 1984, and Bill Clinton in December 1995.
In conclusion, the White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has accepted an invitation from the King of England for a state visit, but Jean-Pierre didn’t specify when it would take place. On the other hand, President Biden is set to address the Irish parliament next Thursday during his visit to Ireland, starting in Belfast, traveling to Dublin, Co. Louth and Co. Mayo, where he will speak about the topics discussed during his prior trip to Washington D.C. These visits signify efforts to strengthen relationships and discuss common interests and issues between the US and the UK and Ireland, respectively.
