In April 2023, President Biden revealed he would not be attending King Charles III’s coronation, despite His Majesty’s invitation.
Instead, the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be leading a delegation from the US which will be attending in his place.
Why isn’t President Biden going to King Charles III’s coronation?
Joe Biden’s decision not to attend Charles’ coronation is believed to be a result of his desire not to break a tradition spanning from the very birth of the United States of America.
This tradition dictates that US Presidents should not attend events such as coronations as a result of the USA’s proud independence from the rule of the United Kingdom.
The President revealed his intention to miss Charles’ Westminster Abbey-based ceremony through a phone call, a statement from the White House confirmed.
“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with King Charles III, underscoring the strength of the relationship between our countries and the friendship between our peoples,” it read.
“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.”
The statement also added: “The President also conveyed his desire to meet with the King in the United Kingdom at a future date.”
Has any US president attended a British coronation?
No, ever since the US broke away from British rule on July 4 1776, no US president has attended the coronation of a British monarch. However, individuals have been sent to represent the US in the past.
For the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, President Eisenhower sent a delegation of four individuals including Earl Warren, the then-governor of California, and the US Army’s first chairman, Omar N. Bradley. Also sent were fellow military man George C. Marshall and the writer, editor, and artist Fleur Cowles.
Dr. Jill Biden’s attendance as the leader of the US delegation at Charles’ coronation marks the first time a family member of the contemporary US president will be present for the ceremony.
The President’s attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last September was, according to the UK ambassador to the US, the first time a US leader had been present for a British state funeral.
