Washington: King Charles III began his official visit to the United States as he and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Monday local time to commence a four-day engagement.

According to Thai News Agency, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted the British monarchs in the South Garden of the White House with a handshake amidst heightened security. The welcoming ceremony was followed by a private afternoon tea in the White House Green Room, marking their first meeting since President Trump's planned visit to the UK in 2025. The President and First Lady also showcased a new White House-shaped beehive in the South Garden, part of Melania Trump's beekeeping expansion project.

The royal couple's U.S. itinerary includes a formal welcoming ceremony and bilateral discussions on Tuesday, April 28th. King Charles III is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress. On Wednesday, they will attend a State Dinner and participate in a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York City. Their visit will conclude in Virginia on Thursday, April 30th, after which they will travel to Bermuda.

The visit marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence and aims to reinforce the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom amid diplomatic tensions over the Iran war. The visit proceeded despite a recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, with President Trump expressing gratitude to King Charles III for his concern.