WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden felicitated King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their coronation in a grand ceremony on Saturday, paying tribute to the long-lasting friendship between the US and the United Kingdom.
US President Biden, who did not attend the event in London, called the nations’ relationship a source of strength for the people of both countries.
Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.
I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 6, 2023
Biden did not attend the ceremony, and US First Lady Jill Biden represented the US in the ceremony. In an interview, the president said he would meet the new monarch in July to talk especially about the environment.
Biden told MSNBC that he would see the monarch during his visit for a NATO conference as he would stop in London, either on the way there or the way back. Biden said that he was passionate about talking about the environment. The annual NATO summit will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania on 11-12 July.
Craze to see Charles III crowned
Earlier on Saturday, thousands of people turned central London white, red, and blue, with a sea of Union Jack flags hoisting in the streets for the coronation of the King. While the coronation ceremony was a sober and somber affair, a celebratory atmosphere filled the UK capital and beyond, despite the wet weather.
Crowds across the capital London cheered in unison as the precious bright crown was placed on King Charles 3’s head at 12.02 pm (11:02 GMT).
Outside Buckingham Palace, the most diehard royal fanatics started the party hours before the ceremony began, with some camping out for several days to secure a better spot for the historic event. –AFP/APP
