The state visit in pictures

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. In pictures: King and Queen pay respects at the National September 11 Memorial 11 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Matthew Tucker and Anna Lamche Getty Images King Charles III and Queen Camilla continued their four-day state visit to the US on Wednesday by attending a ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. The trip, which comes as the US approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence from Britain, is aimed at celebrating the strong relationship between the two countries. via Getty Images Getty Images The King and Queen were accompanied by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chairman of the memorial.

PA Media The Royals left a bouquet of flowers with a note at the memorial. They also met families of victims and first responders who were involved in the rescue efforts after the attacks, as well as currently serving personnel. Getty Images Getty Images The previous evening saw a lavish state banquet, an aircraft flyover at the White House, and a speech from the King to Congress.

The Details

via Getty Images PA Media PA Media During his address to the state dinner, Trump described the history and bond between the US and UK "a friendship unlike any other on Earth", as well as praising golfer Rory McIlory, who was in attendance. Before entering the White House, the president praised the King's speech to Congress, saying he had made him "very jealous". The King responded with his own speech, making jokes about White House renovations and Winston Churchill.

PA Media Earlier, the King had arrived in the House of Representatives chamber to applause from hundreds of onlookers, including top US officials. He followed in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had addressed the chamber in 1991. AP Getty Images In his speech, the King said the destinies of the US and UK had been interlinked ever since America's independence.

"As Oscar Wilde said, 'We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language! '" the King joked to laughter from his audience. Getty Images King Charles promoted the importance of protecting the environment.

What Experts Say

"As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset," he said. The statement received a standing ovation. Getty Images The King concluded with a message of unity: "I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values, with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.

" King to defend democratic values as US state visit begins What to know about King Charles's state visit to US Earlier in the day, King Charles and President Trump held a closed-door meeting inside the Oval Office of the White House. Senior British and American officials were also present during the meeting.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.