President Joe Biden made a stopover at Windsor Castle on his way to the NATO summit, engaging in a conversation with King Charles III centered around the pressing issue of climate change. The visit, which was not a full state visit, saw President Biden greeted with a parade and band at the historic 950-year-old fortress.
Amidst the pomp and circumstance, the Band of the Welsh Guards played the Star Spangled Banner, symbolizing the long-standing alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom. President Biden, accompanied by King Charles III, inspected the troops, displaying the traditional camaraderie that exists between the two nations.
However, a minor incident occurred when President Biden momentarily became fixated on a traditional sword salute presented by an officer of the Guards. This distracted attention seemed to momentarily bewilder King Charles III, who had to regain the President’s focus. Despite the brief confusion, the King was successful in redirecting the conversation and guiding President Biden back on track.
Following the inspection, the President and King retired inside Windsor Castle for tea. They were joined by a group of influential politicians and business leaders, including John Kerry and the UK’s Net Zero minister Grant Shapps, to discuss climate change—a topic of utmost importance for both nations.
While President Biden’s decision to skip King Charles III’s coronation earlier this year had sparked controversy, it did not overshadow their meeting. In fact, the two leaders have previously crossed paths, notably at the Cop26 climate forum. Their mutual commitment to addressing climate change showcased the shared values and goals of the United States and the United Kingdom.
President Biden’s visit, though not a full state visit, allowed for a formal welcome with an honor guard. However, it did not include the customary state banquet that accompanies such visits. Noteworthy is the fact that only three U.S. Presidents—George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump—have made state visits to the United Kingdom, while a total of twelve Presidents have visited the country.
As President Biden continued his journey to the NATO summit, the meeting at Windsor Castle highlighted the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in tackling global challenges such as climate change. Both leaders demonstrated their commitment to working together and engaging in meaningful discussions that transcend political formalities.
The encounter between President Biden and King Charles III exemplified the enduring partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. With climate change at the forefront of their discussions, their meeting sought to reinforce the importance of collaboration in addressing one of the most critical issues of our time.
WATCH: Joe Biden is so utterly confused mid senior-moment at Windsor Castle— King Charles has to physically man-handle him to dog-walk him on-stage pic.twitter.com/H7G5UYbHvw
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 10, 2023
King Charles III shows a confused Joe Biden around Windsor Castle pic.twitter.com/YzpcIo4ngo
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 10, 2023
King Charles III appears to extend his hand to a frail Joe Biden as they approach the curb. We are a joke. Laughingstock of the world! pic.twitter.com/vkUKCWIIew
— Suburban Black Man 🇺🇸 (@niceblackdude) July 10, 2023
