Former President Donald Trump has described President Biden’s decision to decline the UK’s invitation to Charles III’s coronation this week as “very disrespectful.”
Although the extravagant ceremony for King Charles III is scheduled to take place this weekend, President Biden will not be in attendance.
No sitting US president has attended the coronation of a British monarch
Last month, the White House stated that no sitting US president has ever attended the coronation of a British monarch as the reason for Biden’s refusal to attend the May 6 event.
However, in an interview with British political commentator Nigel Farage, Trump suggested Biden’s absence may be related to his physical health.
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Trump suggests Biden is not physically able to attend
Trump said, “I don’t think he can do it physically, actually. I think it’s hard for him to do it physically,” referring to Biden’s ability to travel to the UK. “Certainly, he should be here. He’s our representative of our country. I was surprised when I heard that he wasn’t coming.”
“I was very surprised to see that. I think it’s very disrespectful for him not to be here,” Trump added.
While President Biden will not be present at the coronation, he has accepted a “special invitation” for a state visit from King Charles, though the date has yet to be confirmed.
The First Lady will be the US representative at the coronation
In the president’s absence, First Lady Jill Biden will represent the US at King Charles’ coronation.
The royal couple, Charles and Camilla, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, with Buckingham Palace having announced the event in October last year.
The coronation services will commence at 11 AM local time, followed by an extensive procession back to the Palace. The procession will feature armed forces from across the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in The King’s Procession using the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II to mark her 60-year reign in 2012.
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