Jill Biden, the First Lady, will attend King Charles III’s coronation next month. The White House announced on Tuesday that Jill will travel to London for the highly anticipated event on May 6.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden spoke by phone with King Charles on Tuesday and congratulated the monarch.
“The President congratulated the King on his upcoming Coronation and informed him that First Lady Jill Biden looks forward to attending on behalf of the United States,” according to a White House transcript of the call.
The first lady’s attendance comes just days after it was revealed that the president will not be among the dignitaries and world leaders expected to descend on London for the lavish event.
Due to prior commitments, Biden will miss the coronation, according to The UK Telegraph. While the outlet reported that “some efforts may still be underway to see if Biden can be persuaded to attend the Coronation,” another source told The Telegraph that declining the invitation was “not locked and loaded.”
A sentiment echoed in the White House readout on Tuesday, which mentioned the president’s future plans to visit the newly minted king, adding, “The President, also conveyed his desire to meet with the King in the United Kingdom at a future date.” It’s worth noting that no US president has ever attended a new monarch’s coronation.
The coronation is expected to be a big event, with 2,000 people expected to attend the ceremony on May 6 at The Abbey Church of Westminster in London.
The official invitation, designed by Andrew Jamieson, was also released on Tuesday, and it featured symbols of both Charles and Queen Consort Camilla’s new roles in the monarchy.
The invitation read, in part, “The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.” The Earl Marshall is directed by the King to invite.” The guest’s name will appear in the middle of the invitation, which has been left blank.
The invitation also included artwork that adds a personal touch as well as a nod to their upcoming roles as King and Queen.
“Central to the design is the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign,” according to Buckingham Palace. The Green Man’s shape, crowned in natural foliage, is composed of oak, ivy, and hawthorn leaves, as well as the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.”
“The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation contains lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, as well as wildlife such as a bee, butterfly, ladybird, wren, and robin.”
Flowers appear in threes, symbolizing The King became the third monarch of his name,” the release continues before delving deeper into the design. “Among the flowers are lions, unicorns, and boars taken from Their Majesties’ coats of arms.” Following her installation as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter last summer, Her Majesty’s arms are now surrounded by the Garter.”
