King Charles’s state visit to the United States is underway, focused on strengthening the relationship between the UK and the US.

Charming Encounter at the White House Beehive

A highlight of the visit was a tour of the White House grounds, where King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the newly installed beehive. The beehive project was spearheaded by First Lady Melania Trump.

Both Charles and Camilla are experienced beekeepers, having previously sold honey for charitable causes. They showed considerable interest in the White House’s beekeeping program, established in 2009.

White House Beekeeping Program

The White House beekeeping program supports local pollination and provides honey for White House use and gifts. It also serves as an educational resource for visitors. The new hive is expected to produce up to 255 pounds of honey annually, with flavors of clover, basswood, and citrus.

This lighthearted interaction between King Charles and Melania Trump offered a contrast to the more formal aspects of the visit.

Address to Congress

King Charles is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress, a rare honor previously extended to Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

His speech is expected to emphasize the strength of the Anglo-American alliance, calling it “one of the greatest alliances in human history.” He will likely highlight shared democratic values and legal traditions, rooted in the Magna Carta.

The King is also expected to acknowledge the recent gun attack in Washington D.C., expressing solidarity with the American people and offering the ‘highest regard and friendship’ from the UK.

He will emphasize long-standing cooperation in defense, intelligence, and security, and advocate for continued economic partnership through trade and technology.

King Charles will also champion environmental protection, advocating for the preservation of ‘nature’s own economy.’ The visit aims to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the US alliance during a period of global uncertainty.