Joe Biden has expressed his condolences to King Charles III and shared the “great admiration of the American people” for Queen Elizabeth II during a call on Wednesday.
The US president recalled the “kindness and hospitality” shown by Queen Elizabeth II, including when she hosted him and first lady Jill Biden, and said he wishes to continue a “close relationship” with the monarchy.
The monarch and Mr Biden held a call ahead of the King marching behind his mother’s coffin before the lying in state in Westminster Hall.
In a statement, the White House said the president spoke to the King to “offer his condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II”.
Joe Biden and King Charles III
GB News
The US President recalled the “kindness and hospitality” shown by Queen Elizabeth II during the call
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“The president recalled fondly the Queen’s kindness and hospitality, including when she hosted him and the First Lady at Windsor Castle last June,” the statement added.
“He also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and constancy deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“President Biden conveyed his wish to continue a close relationship with the King.”
Queen Elizabeth II hosted the Bidens for tea at Windsor Castle after the G7 summit in Cornwall.
Mr Biden said he discussed Russian president Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping with the monarch.
After their meeting, he said: “We had a long talk. She was very generous. I don’t think she’d be insulted but she reminded me of my mother.
“In terms of the look of her and just the generosity. She was very gracious.”
From Republicans to Democrats, Queen Elizabeth II met 13 of the 14 US presidents during her 70-year reign, from Harry S Truman to Barack Obama and Donald Trump.