King Charles III has arrived in Bermuda for a three-day royal visit, following a memorable state visit to the United States. The King and Queen Camilla were seen off from Washington by President Donald Trump before Charles continued to Bermuda for a solo tour.
He landed on Thursday evening after Mr Trump announced he would remove tariffs on Scottish whisky, a move that prompted Buckingham Palace to say the King would be toasting the President with a dram. Mr Trump credited the intervention of Charles and Camilla for the decision.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said distillers could "breathe a little easier" following the announcement. The development vindicates Downing Street's decision to send the King on the trip, which some had viewed as highly risky, to repair the UK-US special relationship.
The King and Queen thanked the US for their welcome in a message on X, saying: "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."
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 the Governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, and the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, along with his wife Kristin. A small guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment stood to attention nearby.
The formalities were low-key, as the King will receive a ceremonial welcome with pomp and pageantry, including a 21-gun salute, on Friday. When he reached the end of the red carpet, the King pointed at the travelling UK media and said "you made it" before climbing into his waiting car.
First Full Day of Tour
During the first full day of the tour, the King will visit Trunk Island, home to the "Living Classroom," an initiative that helps young people understand the island's ecosystem and encourages environmental stewardship.
In the capital Hamilton, Charles will be received at City Hall by the Premier of Bermuda and the Mayor of Hamilton, who will present local councillors. The King will also meet Bermuda-born Michael Frith, designer of many Muppets characters, and his wife Kathryn Mullen, who will showcase their internationally acclaimed puppetry work and explain the Bermudian inspiration behind aspects of their craft.
At the Royal Naval Dockyard, the King will visit the Keep Yard and join members of the public to watch a performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe. Charles will end the day with a garden party at Government House, featuring a cross-section of people representing Bermudian life.
