Inside King Charles’ Strict US Visit Rulebook: From No Bowing to No Garlic & More

The US is looking forward to the King visiting and even has a specific rulebook to ensure the monarch's comfort.

King Charles and Queen Camilla's most anticipated US tour is just a week away, and while the King will be embarking on the journey to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries, as per experts, the tour can either break or make their geopolitical ties. The US President Donald Trump has often expressed his admiration for the King, though the same cannot be said about his rapport with the UK’s political leadership.

Political commentator Iain Dale, in an exclusive conversation with The Mirror, shared, “The relationship between Britain and the United States is at a historic low, because it’s quite clear that that special relationship has been shattered by Donald Trump’s insults to this country, its armed forces, and indeed, its government." He added, "The monarchy is part of what is known as Britain's soft power, how we influence world leaders, other countries through the monarchy. And this visit is absolutely key to using that soft power." With all said and done, the US is looking forward to the King visiting and even has a specific rulebook to ensure the monarch's comfort.

Although Charles has visited the US multiple times, the White House wants to ensure that the visit goes smoothly, and for that, they finalized a meticulous protocol "rulebook." Historical lessons from previous administrations, such as the "ill-judged" gift of an iPod from the Obama family in 2009, have led to more extensive briefing notes than perhaps any previous visit. Hence, now there is a rule of no materialistic gifts for the royals. 

Other than that, the bowing or curtsying is also prohibited, given the American protocol where the U.S. Presidents do not bow to foreign monarchs. Garlic has also been a major topic of discussion during the curating of the 'unofficial' rulebook. The royals prefer to avoid garlic and onions from their menu to prevent any lingering odors during close-proximity diplomacy, as revealed by former chefs, so they are now omitted from the menu. 

Given both countries' contrasting cultures, where the UK associates "wearing all black is less preferred because it’s considered a color of mourning," the Americans were advised to avoid wearing black or white, depending on the event's formality, to keep "clash of color or designs" in their wardrobes at bay. There are also cautious precautions around curating the menu for the royals to meet all dietary requirements without embarrassment. The US stands prepared to welcome the King and has surely taken lessons from their past experiences.