President Trump and first lady Melania Trump bid farewell to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House on Thursday after their majesties’ four-day overseas excursion to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
While posing for photos, the president said, “The greatest king in my book.”
As the king and queen drove away, Mr. Trump said they’re “great people” after meeting in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the Executive Mansion.
“We need more people like that in our country,” he said.
The couple also visited Arlington National Cemetery to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the two countries’ military partnership.
From there, they were to join a parade in Front Royal, Virginia.
The first couple welcomed the royal couple with a warm reception on Monday, kicking off a jam-packed schedule of events, including a ceremonial military welcome, White House reception, state dinner and the king’s address to Congress.
The king and queen also traveled to New York City on Wednesday.
Mr. Trump on Tuesday said, “Americans have no closer friends than the British.”
In his speech before both chambers of Congress that day, the king said that even amid the differences between the U.K. and U.S., the two “have always found a way to come together.”
He said it while the countries are experiencing a strained relationship over Mr. Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran, the latter of which has caused headbutting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to help the American effort.
The king made no direct references to the war in his speech, but pointed to “great uncertainty” amid “conflict from Europe to the Middle East, which pose immense challenges for the international community.”
Mr. Trump said the king agrees that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.
• Mary McCue Bell can be reached at mbell@washingtontimes.com.
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