The King and President Donald Trump will renew Anglo-American relations that have been fractious in recent months – over a cup of tea.
Charles and Camilla began their four-day state visit to the United States by sitting down with their American hosts Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump in the White House.
The two couples greeted each other outside by the historic building’s south portico overlooking the lawns where past presidents have hosted Queen Elizabeth II.
The start of the historic trip – Charles’ first to America as King – has been overshadowed by the attempted assassination of the president on Saturday night at a Washington media dinner when he was surrounded by secret service agents and bundled from the room.
The King privately contacted the president and his wife to express his and the Queen’s sympathies with all those affected on the night, and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.
Mr Trump wanted the first inward state visit of his second term in office to be from the UK, a reflection of the Anglophile nature of his administration and his family ties to the UK.
The Queen arrived in Washington for the much-anticipated four-day state visit wearing a symbol of Anglo-American unity – jewellery featuring the American stars and stripes crossed with the Union flag.
Camilla, dressed in a pink Dior coat dress, was wearing a brooch presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 state visit to America on behalf of New York during a civic lunch hosted by the city’s then-mayor Robert F Wagner.
The visit is the most important foreign trip of the King’s reign so far as it comes during a pivotal moment for the UK and US, with relations between the Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump fractious.
Mr Trump has branded the UK’s approach to the Iran war “terrible” and repeatedly lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer – at one point describing him as “not Winston Churchill”.
And reports have suggested the US could review its position on the Falkland Islands in retaliation for Sir Keir’s lack of support for the war in Iran.
The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and there will be hope in Downing Street that Charles and Camilla can help put the UK-US special relationship on a firmer footing.
When the royal couple first arrived they were driven to their accommodation at Blair House, a luxury guest house within the White House security cordon.
Camilla, who had changed into a white chiffon dress with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine, was seen smiling broadly as the couple later got out of the car to meet the president and first lady.
Posing for photographers for nearly a minute, Mr Trump appeared to make small talk with the King as they stood in the sunshine.
