(RightWing.org) – The world stood still for about 90 minutes as people tuned in to watch British King Charles III’s official coronation ceremony on Saturday, May 6. Windsor Castle sent out invitations weeks before the historic event. However, President Joe Biden opted not to stand next to other world leaders and attend, even though he made the cut and received the cherished invite.
Curiously, it appears the president couldn’t wait to decline his invitation. The White House issued a readout of a phone call between himself and King Charles in the first week of April. Biden congratulated the king on his pending coronation, discussed the ongoing relationship between their respective countries, and informed him that First Lady Jill Biden would attend the ceremony on behalf of the United States.
🚨President Trump congratulates King Charles III on his Coronation and slams Biden for not attending the Coronation. pic.twitter.com/XjrKTy5IpO
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) May 6, 2023
No US president has ever attended the coronation of a British monarch. Yet, when former President Dwight Eisenhower elected to follow that tradition, he sent several dignitaries to represent the United States at Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 crowning — not his wife. Instead, Eisenhower sent Gen. George Marshall, California Governor Earl Warren (R), and his Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Gen. Omar Bradley. Likewise, Franklin Roosevelt sent Gen. John Pershing to King George VI’s coronation in 1937, and William Taft sent US Special Ambassador John Hammond in his stead for King George V’s 1911 crowning.
Several world leaders did attend King Charles III’s ceremony, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, and President of Israel Isaac Herzog. In addition, several reigning monarchs also attended the coronation.
Biden’s conspicuous absence created controversy at home and abroad. For instance, Nile Gardiner, an aide to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, characterized Biden’s decision as “disrespectful.” He also noted that several conservative politicians in the UK and news outlets spoke out against the president’s decision to snub the king.
🚨 Trump says he “was very surprised” Biden will not attend the Coronation, adding “I think it’s very disrespectful for him not to be here”.pic.twitter.com/wyEYgZGd04
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 3, 2023
Former President Donald Trump echoed that sentiment, telling GB News host Nigel Farage he was surprised by Biden’s decision not to attend the ceremony. He also said it was a “bad thing” that the president opted to spend the day “sleeping” in Delaware.
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