Unprecedented Meeting: President Biden Holds Historic Talks with King Charles III in the UK, Defying Protocol

King Charles III and US President Joe Biden in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. Andrew Matthews/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

President Joe Biden, despite being unable to attend King Charles III's coronation, recently made a visit to the United Kingdom to meet the monarch for the first time. On Monday, July 10, Biden, 80, had a meeting with Charles, 74, at Windsor Castle. During their meeting, they inspected an honor guard consisting of the Prince of Wales Company of the Welsh Guards. Additionally, a band performed "God Save the King" in honor of Charles and followed it with "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a tribute to Biden.

Following the formal welcomes, Biden and Charles engaged in a roundtable conversation centered on climate change. Participating alongside them were John Kerry, the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate, and representatives from the financial industry and philanthropic sector. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the president's deep admiration for the king's dedication to addressing the climate crisis, referring to him as a prominent advocate on this crucial matter.

Biden has a busy schedule ahead with multiple stops on his international trip. In addition to the U.K., he will also visit Vilnius, Lithuania, for the NATO Summit and Helsinki, Finland, for a summit with the Nordic leaders.

A meeting between Biden and Charles was confirmed by Buckingham Palace on July 2. The White House provided further details about the purpose of this visit.

President Biden is set to visit London, United Kingdom for meetings with King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aiming to enhance the strong bond between our countries. Biden had previously met Sunak last month in Washington, D.C., but this will be his inaugural encounter with Charles since his coronation. Notably, both leaders have assumed their positions at an older age than their predecessors.

US President Joe Biden and King Charles III Sam Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock

After meeting with Charles, Biden was extended an invitation to Windsor Castle by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2021, marking his visit six months after his inauguration. Being the 13th and final American president to interact with the queen during her remarkable reign, Biden's visit held significance. (Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96 in September 2022.)

In September 2022, Biden traveled to the U.K. to attend the funeral of Charles' mother. Although Charles assumed the throne immediately after the passing of the late queen, his official coronation took place in May. Biden received an invitation to the coronation, but instead, first lady Dr. Jill Biden represented the United States at the historic event. Accompanying her was her granddaughter Finnegan Biden, aged 23, serving as her plus-one on this occasion.

A statement from the White House in April ahead of Charles’ coronation highlighted the strong relationship between our countries and the friendship between our peoples. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with King Charles III, expressing his congratulations on the upcoming Coronation. The President also mentioned that First Lady Jill Biden eagerly anticipates attending the event on behalf of the United States. Additionally, the President expressed his interest in meeting with the King in the United Kingdom in the future.