Jill Biden is in London to attend the coronation of King Charles III. She is the first American first lady to attend a British coronation. Before the coronation, she engaged in some soft diplomacy by meeting with Akshata Murty, the wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and military veterans and their families participating in a health and wellness program. She also visited a primary school and met with students who were wearing golden paper crowns as they participated in coronation-related activities.
On Saturday, Jill Biden will represent the United States at the coronation at Westminster Abbey. Afterward, she will attend a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley. She will also attend a luncheon on Sunday hosted by Sunak and Murty at their Downing Street residence before flying back to Washington.
President Biden has received criticism for not attending the coronation, but the White House cites the precedent of a U.S. president never attending as the reason for his absence. The president has chatted with King Charles III at global climate events since taking office and expressed interest in meeting with him in the United Kingdom at a future date.
Jill Biden has engaged with members of the British royal family before, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry, through their work and support of military veterans and early childhood education.
