King Charles faces a major diplomatic test
King Charles’ first visit to the United States as a monarch comes amid tensions over NATO and Iran. USA TODAY’s Susan Page explains what’s at stake.
The White House has released new details about King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit next week, highlighting two unexpected events during the four-day trip to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome the royal couple to the White House from April 27 to April 30 as part of the first state visit of President Trump’s second term.
The visit was already expected to include a reception at the White House, a ceremonial military welcome, King Charles’ address to Parliament, and a state dinner. But a new White House release revealed additional details, including a tour of the newly expanded White House Beehive and a student-centered artificial intelligence event led by Melania Trump and Queen Camilla.
Royals stop by the newly expanded White House beehive
After arriving on Monday, the king and queen will have tea with President Trump and the first lady in the White House Green Room, before touring the newly unveiled and expanded White House Beehive on the South Lawn near the Kitchen Garden.
The beehive was announced by the White House this week as part of the White House Honey Project launched by Melania Trump. Shaped like a miniature version of the presidential mansion, it was designed by presidential staff before being handcrafted by craftsmen in Virginia.
Four bee colonies currently help produce the White House’s signature honey, which officials say is used by the mansion’s chefs to sweeten tea, make salad dressings and make desserts. Honey is sometimes given as a gift by the president and first lady.
The additional colonies are expected to increase annual honey production by about 30 pounds while helping pollinate the White House kitchen garden, flower garden, and vegetation on the National Mall.
The stop could hold further symbolism for King Charles, who has long championed the cause of the environment and sustainability.
AI/VR event for students
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and King Charles III will hold a bilateral meeting, while President Melania Trump and Queen Camilla will lead another educational event with students at the White House Tennis Pavilion.
The students will use virtual reality headsets to learn about Britain, the White House said. Participants will also explore American history and the “special relationship” between our two countries by using AI-enabled glasses to examine artifacts in the White House Collection and the National Archives and Records Administration.
This event ties in with Melania Trump’s “Growing Our Future Together” initiative, one of her signature initiatives since her return as First Lady. The program focuses on children, education and technology, with artificial intelligence emerging as a central theme.
Last month, President Trump hosted a White House summit for the initiative featuring Figure AI’s humanoid robot, Figure 3, which appeared as the first lady spoke about AI’s potential role in education. The new event with Queen Camilla suggests that programs to promote technology during major diplomatic visits will remain part of the administration’s external agenda.
wider royal tour
The royal family’s trip will extend beyond Washington with stops in New York City and Virginia.
Plans announced so far include meeting with first responders and families affected by the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, as well as community events and cultural performances in Virginia before the couple departs for Bermuda.
Contributors: USA TODAY’s Michelle Del Rey, Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Kinsey Crowley
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com or on Twitter @athompsonABJ.
