In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla begin US state visit

Samir Hussein via Getty Images

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the US at the start of their four-day state visit to the US - the first since Queen Elizabeth II's state visit in 2007.

The trip, which comes as the US approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence from Britain, is aimed at celebrating the strong relationship between the two countries.

Getty Images

King Charles and Queen Camilla descended the stairs of the aircraft as they began their four-day visit.

AFP via Getty Images

They were greeted with flowers from children.

Reuters

After walking through a guard of honour, a military band played both the US and UK national anthems.

AFP via Getty Images

The royal couple then went on to meet Donald and Melania Trump at the White House for afternoon tea.

Suzanne Plunkett/PA
Reuters
Reuters
PA
Reuters
PA
PA

The royal couple were shown a beehive shaped like the White House, part of a long-running honey-making programme.

Getty Images
Reuters
Alex Brandon via Getty Images
Getty Images

Queen Camilla posed with military cadets at the White House garden party.

Samir Hussein via Getty Images

King Charles III chatted with retired British diver Tom Daley among other guests.

Getty Images
Getty Images