The King and Queen with President Trump and First Lady Melania. Pic: Royal.uk
There was some unease over whether the King and Queen should fly to the USA, in the middle of such world unrest and this feeling intensified, following the White House shooting last weekend.
But royal and political commentators were all taken by surprise at how much of a diplomatic coup the US tour turned out, thanks to the smooth-talking of the King and his dignified speeches. He was a master of diplomacy throughout and managed to do the unthinkable – unite both sides of the US political scene, plus the US and UK.
“When the King touched down in Washington on Monday to start his eagerly-anticipated state visit, I was sceptical he would succeed,” wrote Connor Stringer, The Telegraph’s Washington correspondent, noting UK-US relations had become so bad, “what lay ahead was a mammoth task and … success looked slim.” But Charles went on to receive standing ovations and everywhere he went, was greeted like a celebrity. “Congressmen and women swooned in desperation for a handshake. All the while, Trump watched from the TV in awe of the spectacle. He had been bowled over by the art of soft diplomacy,” he wrote. “As much as it pains me to admit it, I was wrong.”
We all were.
Charles’ talk in Congress went viral. He managed to unite Democrats and Republicans, with his warm, witty, statesmanlike speech, which got 12 standing ovations. Even President Trump marvelled how he got the Democrats to stand up. “I couldn’t believe it. I was never able to do that,” he said.
The King and Queen and the King giving his speech in Congress, at the White House and Washington. Pics: Royal Family Insta
He got the same reception at the White House dinner, when he rolled out jokes, including a reply to Trump previously saying Europe would be speaking German had it not been for the US. “Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French,” Charles quipped, with an endearing grin, to a ripple of laughter. When he presented the president with a bell from WWII submarine HMS Trump and said, “If you ever need us, give us a ring,” the house erupted.
In four days, Charles and Camilla managed to achieve more diplomacy than our politicians have in the past four years. “The greatest King, in my book,” the President said, adding, “We need more people like that in our country.” They were there to mark the USA’s 250th anniversary of independence, but ironically, ended up uniting the countries more than ever before. It was the perfect example of how the Royal Family can transcend politics and improve diplomacy, showing what a vital role they play in international relations, especially at a time like this.
“Farewell and thank you for the warmth of your welcome and the kind support you gave us throughout our first visit to the US as King and Queen, in this, your special anniversary year. We leave a piece of our heart behind and take a little of yours back home with us. Until the next time… God Bless America,” wrote the royal couple on Instagram. Job well done.
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart,” said Winnie-The Pooh author, A. A. Milne. And we know the Queen couldn’t agree more as she took extra-special care of baby Roo before reuniting him with his friends who now live in the New York Public Library, marking the 100th anniversary of The Hundred Acre Wood’s characters. Check out the video of Roo’s VIP trip from Buckingham Palace to New York – it really is the sweetest thing!
The Library is home to the original collection of toys owned by Christopher Robin Milne, son of A.A. Milne, which inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh series. The collection was missing Roo, as the original baby kangaroo was lost in an orchard in the 1930s. The new Roo was created by Merrythought, the British company who also created the original toys.
Roo’s back for good with his mates. Pic: National Portrait Gallery
Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Kanga, Eeyore and now Roo, are on display as part of New York Public Library’s permanent Treasures collection. Roo was given a full ceremonial welcome, carried in on a cushion emblazoned with the Union flag.
On hand to cheer was the Camilla’s bessie mate, Gyles Brandreth, who is writing a biography of the Milne family, and has campaigned to have the collection returned to the UK, if only temporarily. The Queen was also joined at a library reception by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, author Amor Towles and actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
The princess and her pooch celebrate their birthdays. Pics: Prince and Princess of Wales Insta
It was party time in the Wales’s household, with Charlotte turning 11 on Saturday and cocker spaniel Otto having his first birthday the day before. We were officially introduced to Otto via this snap taken by Catherine, and shared on their social media accounts. The beautiful dog is the son of Orla, their other beloved cocker who was a gift from James Middleton in 2020.
As for another royal beauty with fabulous hair and a birthday, Charlotte stars in a short video marking her big day; playing cricket, sitting with Orla and Otto on a boat and writing messages on a beach. Her parents also released the picture above, captioned: ‘Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday!’ Both photo and video were taken by Matt Porteous during the family’s Easter break in Cornwall. On Wednesday, we were also treated to a glorious family pic released to celebrate William and Catherine’s 15th wedding anniversary, see it here.
Can we have these two back please! Pic: Netflix
Despite the fact the last two seasons of The Crown descended into trashy telenovela territory – Diana’s ghost, pleeeease! – we can’t help but feel really excited about reports that Netflix are in talks to bring it back. Apparently, there’s going to be a prequel series, beginning with Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 on the Isle of Wight to the 1947 wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey.
“I cannot imagine any circumstances in which I’d want to go farther into the present, as it were, but at the same time, I don’t think I’m done with the subject,” Peter Morgan, the show’s creator said in 2024. Well, we hope the rumours are true.
Joseph Holman receives his award from Susan Lousada, in a skip. Pic: Green Doors
Well, that’s a first – one founder received their King’s Award in a very unique way. Joseph Holman, owner of upcycling door company Green Doors, was presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada on Friday – in a skip. That’s where he first found old doors, which gave him the idea for his business. “I started 11 years ago with a set of doors I found in a skip,” said Holman, who previously met the King in Windsor. “Now, I’ve received an award from the King. Being in a skip to receive this felt like the most honest way to tell that story.” As long as he doesn’t bin the award, it’s all good. greendoors.co.uk