The King has arrived in Bermuda for a three-day royal trip on the back of a memorable state visit to America.
Charles and Camilla were waved off from Washington by President Donald Trump and a few hours later, the King touched down in Bermuda for a solo tour.
He landed on Thursday evening after Mr Trump announced he would remove tariffs from Scottish whisky, prompting Buckingham Palace to say the King would be toasting the President with a dram.
Mr Trump said it was Charles and Camilla’s intervention that prompted the important decision.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said “distillers can breathe a little easier” following the move.
The major development will vindicate Downing Street’s decision to send the King on the trip, viewed by some as highly risky, to repair the UK-US special relationship.
The King and Queen thanked the US for the welcome they received in a message on X.
The couple said: “We leave a piece of our heart behind and take a little of yours back home with us.
“Until the next time… God Bless America.”
Arriving at LF Wade International Airport at dusk, the UK Government’s VIP Airbus plane flew the Royal Standard and Bermuda flag from the cockpit window.
Charles was greeted by the Governor of Bermuda Andrew Murdoch and the Premier of Bermuda David Burt and his wife Kristin, with a small guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment standing to attention nearby.
The formalities were low-key, as the King will receive a ceremonial welcome of pomp and pageantry featuring a 21-gun salute on Friday.
When he reached the end of the red carpet, the King pointed at the travelling UK media and said “you made it” before climbing into his waiting car.
During the first full day of the tour, the King will visit Trunk Island, home to the “Living Classroom,” an initiative which helps young people understand the island’s ecosystem and encourages environmental stewardship.
In the capital Hamilton, Charles will be received at City Hall by the Premier of Bermuda and the Mayor of Hamilton, who will present local councillors.
Charles will also meet Bermuda-born Michael Frith – designer of many of the Muppets characters – and his wife, Kathryn Mullen, who will briefly showcase their internationally acclaimed puppetry work and explain the Bermudian inspiration behind aspects of their work.
At the Royal Naval Dockyard, the King will visit the Keep Yard and join members of the public to watch a performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe.
Charles will end the day with a garden party at Government House featuring a cross-section of people representing Bermudian life.