July 10, 2023 at 08:36PM
As the world anticipates the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the United States President, Joe Biden, made a notable pit stop in the United Kingdom.
Arriving in London on Sunday, President Biden’s visit includes a noteworthy meeting with King Charles at Windsor Castle.
On Monday afternoon, King Charles will warmly receive President Biden at Windsor Castle. A dignified Ceremonial Arrival and Inspection of the Honor Guard will mark the occasion, demonstrating the respect accorded to visiting heads of state.
This meeting holds special significance as it is the first encounter between the two since President Biden attended Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September. Notably, President Biden had respectfully declined to attend King Charles’ coronation in May.
Following the official arrival, the distinguished pair will indulge in afternoon tea within the historic walls of the castle. As a gracious gesture, Biden has been invited to view an exhibition showcasing American items from the Royal Collection.
Furthermore, the President and King Charles will engage in discussions with members of the Climate Finance Mobilization Forum. Earlier in the day, leaders from the United Kingdom and the United States will have already deliberated on their commitment to climate action within emerging markets.
Although President Biden and King Charles have had only respectful encounters and share common interests in climate action, it is worth noting Biden’s longstanding unease with the British monarchy. Proud of his Irish American heritage and as the great-great-grandson of the Blewitts of County Mayo and the Finnegans of County Louth, Biden has been critical of Britain and the monarchy for their historical role in colonizing Ireland for centuries.
In his memoir, “Promises to Keep,” Biden shares anecdotes illustrating his family’s deep-rooted unease. Biden’s mother, Catherine “Jean” Finnegan, had Irish American relatives who harbored lasting “Irish grudges.” Comedian Georgia Pritchett’s autobiography reveals that Biden’s mother once chose to sleep on a hotel floor in the U.K. rather than spend the night in a bed previously occupied by Queen Elizabeth.
The meeting between President Biden and King Charles comes in the wake of a meeting between Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street. During their discussions, the two leaders addressed their ongoing support for Ukraine’s counteroffensive and focused on strengthening economic partnerships.
With both Biden and Sunak emphasizing the solidity of the U.K.-U.S. relationship, the aim is to present a united front ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, where differing opinions among the alliance’s member states are expected.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned that the leaders would exchange notes before the summit, acknowledging that Ukraine’s crisis would dominate the conversations. While the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership remains divisive, the summit is expected to announce a new, long-term program of assistance for Ukraine, alongside the establishment of a NATO-Ukraine Council to enhance ties.
The Biden-Charles meeting at Windsor Castle showcases the diplomatic efforts undertaken by both leaders, encompassing ceremonial traditions, climate action, and discussions with an emphasis on mutual cooperation.
As President Biden forges ahead with his international engagements, the enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom continues to evolve, demonstrating the strength of their relationship in navigating and addressing global challenges together.
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