King Charles III wrapped up his four-day trip to the United States with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where he and Queen Camilla honored fallen soldiers during a formal ceremony. The visit also included stops in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Virginia, and was part of a series of events marking the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary.
During the Arlington ceremony, an issue involving the display of the Union flag drew attention, though the royal couple has not publicly addressed the moment.
King Charles Arlington Visit Includes Wreath-Laying Ceremony
King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The pair was greeted by U.S. Army Major General Antoinette Gant and Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the United States.
Charles laid a wreath at the memorial, while Camilla placed a posy of red, white, and purple flowers. A military band performed four muffled ruffles and taps, followed by a moment of silence.
During the event, observers noted that the Union flag appeared to be flown upside down. According to the Flag Institute, the wider diagonal white stripe should appear above the red diagonal stripe on the half nearest the flagpole.
“It is most improper to fly the flag upside down,” the institute states.
Sky News correspondent Mark Stone also commented on the display, writing on X, “Rather a diplomatic gaff (sic) by the Americans here. The Union flag is upside down at the Arlington Cemetery event.”
His Majesty’s U.S. Visit Includes New York and Washington Engagements
The Arlington ceremony followed several high-profile events throughout the royal visit. On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla spent time in New York City, including a stop at the 9/11 Memorial at One World Trade Center.
The day concluded with the King’s Trust Gala near Rockefeller Center. The event drew a number of well-known attendees, including Lionel Richie, Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stella McCartney, and Leo Woodall.
Earlier in the week, Charles traveled to Washington, D.C., where he held a private bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump and addressed a joint session of Congress.
The visit also included a series of public appearances designed to highlight the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
King Charles Departure and Next Stop in Bermuda
King Charles III left the United States from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland following the conclusion of the Virginia events.
After leaving the United States, His Majesty traveled to Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, without Queen Camilla.
The royal tour was organized at the request of the U.K. government and was designed as a diplomatic visit marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Kristofer Allerfeldt, a professor at the University of Exeter specializing in American history, told reporters that the visit had a short-term impact.
“In the short term probably yes, in the long term probably no,” Allerfeldt said, via the AP News. He added that Charles had “definitely clawed back some of the prestige of the monarchy” during the trip.
