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FALMOUTH, England President Biden will undergo a rite of passage this weekend experienced by all but one of his predecessors since World War II: a meeting during his tenure with Queen Elizabeth II.
Mr Biden has become the 13th sitting US president to meet the British monarch at a reception for Group of Seven leaders on Friday. He will meet her on Sunday with his wife Jill for tea at Windsor Castle. During her nearly 70-year reign, the Queen has proven to be an important weapon in the British diplomatic arsenal, wooing American leaders in good times and bad.
While still Princess Elizabeth, she and her husband Prince Philip were hosted in 1951 by President Harry Truman. Since becoming Queen the following year, she has met every sitting Presidency since Dwight Eisenhower except Lyndon Johnson, giving her unparalleled experience of successive occupants of the Oval Office.
While still Princess Elizabeth, she was hosted in 1951 by President Harry Truman. Photo: Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images
The 95-year-old monarch plays a diplomatic role again as the UK hosts the G-7 summit on England’s south coast. She and her family hosted a reception for G-7 leaders on Friday evening.
Are you supposed to sound like you’re having fun? the Queen joked as executives participated in a socially distanced family photo.
The president will then become the fifth American leader the Queen has received at Windsor Castle on Sunday. It won’t be their first meeting: Mr Biden met the Queen when he was a senator from Delaware about 40 years ago.
As head of state, the role of the queen is purely ceremonial. The British government makes political decisions and organizes visits.
His role in foreign affairs is arguably one of his most important functions, said Robert Blackburn, professor of constitutional law at Kings College London. She does not get involved in negotiations or political talks, but all heads of state must generate goodwill and it is this ability to create goodwill that is so important.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy at Buckingham Palace in 1961. Photo: Keystone Press Agency / Zuma Press
The Queen’s reign coincided with a time when the UK needed America by its side more than ever. From the Cold War to its exit from the European Union, Britain relied on its American ally on several occasions.
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In the final chapter, Mr Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met on Thursday and signed a new, updated version of the Atlantic Charteran of the landmark document the two nations signed in 1941 aimed at underscoring their vision of the democratic world. It has been a needy relationship throughout his reign, said Robert Hazell, a professor at University College London.
The first official royal visit to the United States took place in 1939 when the Queen’s father, George VI, urged America to become more involved in European affairs as World War II approached.
Her first state visit as Queen to the United States was in 1957 when she met Mr. Eisenhower. She then welcomed John F. Kennedy to Buckingham Palace in 1961, rode with Ronald Reagan in 1982, and most recently in 2019, welcomed the Donald Trumps family.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Queen at Balmoral Castle in 1959.
Associated press
President Gerald Ford danced with the Queen during the bicentennial celebrations of the Declaration of Independence in 1976.
PHOTO12 / Zuma Presse
President Reagan and the Queen rode horses together at Windsor Castle in 1982.
Hulton-Deutsch / CORBIS / Getty Images Collection
President George HW Bush and Barbara Bush with the Queen during a ceremony at the White House.
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President George W. Bush and the Queen at the White House.
Fiona Hanson / PA Wire / Zuma Press
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama were greeted by the Queen and Prince Phillip after landing at Windsor Castle for a private lunch in 2016.
Alastair Grant / Associated press
America ousted the British monarchy, but its rulers often seemed in love with the Queen. Part of its appeal lies in its longevity, say royal watchers. Few can say that the hand you shake now has welcomed all presidents for 70 years, Professor Hazell said.
Not all contacts with the United States have gone smoothly, with several breaches of protocol the Queen ignored. During the 1951 visit, which followed Winston Churchill’s victory in the British general election, an elderly American lady accosted Princess Elizabeth and said to her: I am so glad your father has been re-elected, recalled the late prince Philip.
In 1976, Gerald Ford took the Queen to the dance floor, and the group began playing The Lady Is a Tramp. In 2009, Michelle Obama put her arm around the Queen. In 2019, the Queen deftly bypassed Mr Trump when he appeared to break protocol and walk past her.
In recent months, courtiers fear that America’s view of the monarchy has been damaged by a split in the royal ranks. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have alleged in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that there is racism within the royal ranks, an allegation the Queen has said the family will look into in private.
Since then, in April, the Queen has lost her husband by more than seven decades, despite which her charm offensive against US presidents continues.
The Queen and President Donald Trump inspected a guard of honor during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2018 Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP / Getty Images
Write to Max Colchester at [email protected]
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