Following the conclusion of his and Queen Camilla’s four-day visit to the United States (US) with a Community parade in Virginia, King Charles III has landed in Bermuda.
The British Monarch made a simple entrance in Hamilton, Capital of the Territory, with a ceremonial reception expected on Friday. Without the company of Queen Camilla, the King is making his first visit to the Island since taking the throne.
The King and Queen marked their last day in America in a more calm setting of bluegrass music and country rock music in the small town of Front Royal.
When they arrived, the King and Queen were greeted with big cheers. It marked their first engagement with the American public as other event were conducted in solidly sealed security bubbles.
The Royal couple observed a marching band, and for the first time on this trip, went around to shake hands, which seemed to please the locals out enjoying the Appalachian sunshine.
Also, there was a show of Appalachian clog dancing, watched seriously by the Royal couple, in a sort of unexpected royal Variety show.
This was Front Royal’s “block party”, a neighbourhood festivity, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
There was also a “pot luck” community meal, and in line with custom, the King and Queen presented their own contributions.
The Royal couple brought a Coronation quiche, a Victoria sponge and honey from the royal hives.
It served as an illustration of a small-town America with a population of fifteen thousand (15,000).
In a Goodbye message on X to the US written by the King and Queen, the Royal couple expressed gratitude to America for the “warm welcome” and “kind support”.
The ending was lighthearted as it proved to be a surprising successful four (4) days in the United States (US), where the King’s speech to Congress received applause.
The King and Queen wrote: “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 behind and take a little of yours back home with us. Until the next time… God Bless America.”
Arriving at his next destination, Bermmuda, the King landed at LF Wade International Airport in Hamilton, where he was greeted by an official ensemble of British Governor Andrew Murdoch, Bermuda Premier David Burt and various other personalities.
A Lilliputian guard of honour was formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment standing attention. The King will be welcomed with a ceremony of pomp and pageantry featuring a 21-gun salute later on Friday.
Photo: King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit small-town America, shake hands with locals | Reuters
