King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of the United States following the conclusion of their four-day state visit, which ended with President Donald Trump lifting tariffs on Scottish whisky. In a social media message, the royal couple said they left a piece of their heart behind and took a little of America back with them.
Royal Message of Thanks
The couple posted: "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 heart behind and take a little of yours back home with us. Until the next time… God Bless America."
The message was accompanied by a new image of the royal couple at Blair House, the president's guest house opposite the White House, where they stayed during the visit. Charles and Camilla, who travelled to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, were pictured gazing into each other's eyes while standing in the Jackson Place sitting room. Another photo showed the Manhattan skyline, featuring the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building lit up.
Tariffs Lifted on Scotch Whisky
President Trump announced the decision to lift tariffs on Scottish whisky shortly after the King and Queen said their goodbyes. In a social media post, Mr Trump said that while "people have wanted to do this for a long time," the King and Queen "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do."
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scottish Distillers Association, said "distillers can breathe a little easier" following the move. The development will vindicate Downing Street's decision to send the King on a trip, viewed by some as highly risky, to repair the UK-US special relationship.
Buckingham Palace Response
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The King has been informed of President Trump's warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports. His Majesty will be raising a dram to the president's thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable state visit for both their majesties in this special anniversary year."
King's Solo Visit to Bermuda
At the end of the US visit, the King jetted off to Bermuda for a solo three-day tour. Arriving at LF Wade International Airport at dusk, the UK Government's VIP Airbus plane flew the Royal Standard and Bermuda flag from the cockpit window. Charles was greeted by Governor of Bermuda Andrew Murdoch and the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt and his wife Kristin, with a small guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment standing to attention nearby. The formalities were low-key, as the King will receive a ceremonial welcome of pomp and pageantry featuring a 21-gun salute on Friday.
