King Charles Touches Down in Bermuda, Marking a Royal First
King Charles has arrived in Bermuda for a landmark solo visit, following the conclusion of his and the Queen’s high-profile state visit to the United States. Landing at LF Wade International Airport on Thursday evening, the monarch will remain in the British overseas territory until Saturday, embarking on a series of ceremonial and official engagements.
His arrival was met with a warm reception from Bermuda Governor Andrew Murdoch and Premier David Burt, who stood alongside a distinguished guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment. This visit marks King Charles’s first official trip to a British overseas territory as monarch and the first-ever visit by a reigning king to Bermuda.
Royal Ceremonies and Key Engagements Highlight Visit
On Friday, King Charles will receive a formal ceremonial welcome complete with a 21-gun salute, underscoring the significance of this historic occasion. During his stay, he will engage with Commonwealth athletes and officiate the opening of the Great Bay Coast Guard Station on St David’s Island, reinforcing his commitment to the region and its communities.
US State Visit Concludes with Trump’s Whisky Tariff Announcement
King Charles and Queen Consort concluded their four-day US state visit, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a farewell at Joint Base Andrews. Former President Donald Trump personally saw the King off, praising him as the “greatest King in my book.” The Queen remains in the US for the time being.
Throughout their American visit, the royal couple attended a state dinner, paid respects at the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and King Charles delivered a historic address to the US Congress, becoming only the second reigning monarch to do so.
Whisky Tariffs Lifted in Royal Honour
In a striking gesture, Donald Trump announced the removal of tariffs on Scottish whisky “in honour” of the King and Queen, emphasizing that the royals achieved something “nobody else was able to do.” He highlighted how this decision would benefit Scotland’s vital whisky industry as well as the bourbon business in Kentucky.
Buckingham Palace responded warmly, stating that King Charles would be “raising a dram” to celebrate the development.
Mixed Reactions on Impact of Royal Visit to US
Much attention surrounded whether the state visit would mend strained UK-US relations, particularly amid tensions linked to the Iran conflict. However, shortly after King Charles’s departure, Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about the visit’s diplomatic impact, telling Sky News, “I can’t give you an answer to that.”
Trump also criticized UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for his policies on immigration and energy, calling them a “tragic mistake,” and urged the Prime Minister to emulate the King’s example in leadership and diplomacy. “Your prime minister has to learn to deal the way he deals, and he’ll do a lot better,” Trump remarked.
