Joe Biden snubbed by King as First Lady seated at back of Coronation
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for coronation
Joe Biden has seemingly been snubbed by King Charles III after the First Lady was seen tucked away at the back of Westminster Abbey for the Coronation ceremony.
Jill Biden has made the trip to the UK for today’s historic event with her 23-year-old granddaughter Finnegan Bidenand without the US President.
The Bidens, dressed in elegant and complementary blue and yellow outfits, arrived at Westminster Abbey at 9.30am.
But eagle-eye television viewers will have seen the First Lady and her granddaughter seated quite a distance away from the centre of proceedings.
US President Joe Biden said: “Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation.
“The enduring friendship between the US and the UK is a source of strength for both our peoples.”
He added: “I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion.”
Last month, it was announced President Biden had told King Charles he would not be attending the Coronation.
He has, however, accepted an invitation for a state visit to the UK from the newly-crowned monarch, expected to take place in the coming weeks.
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But the decision from the President not to attend the Coronation sparked backlash from Conservative MPs.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was forced to make clear the reasons behind Mr Biden not attending.
She previously said: “This is not a snub. The President has a good relationship with the King.”
On Friday, the First Lady expressed her excitement at attending the Coronation as her plane took off from the US.
She tweeted: “Headed to the UK for the Coronation of King Charles III – the first in 70 years!
“It’s an honour to represent the United States for this historic moment and celebrate the special relationship between our countries.”
But many Americans are also furious at the First Lady for attending the Coronation of King Charles III in the UK today.
One wrote: “Seems disrespectful to be honest. The first Coronation in 70 years and we’re sending bkfst taco lady as our rep? [sic]”
The comment was a reference to a speech in which Biden said Texas Latinos are as “unique” as “breakfast tacos”.
She later apologised through her spokesman Michael LaRosa, who tweeted: “The First Lady apologises that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community. [sic]”
One Twitter user remarked: “Who is paying for this trip? I heard the country was broke.”
Another, who seemed to agree, said: “It’s not our county or a real government position. Stay home and don’t waste our money.”
“I would prefer if our President was there to represent us for this historical event with our closest friends,” another said.
One said: “As an American, I stopped caring about the monarchy with King George – circa 1776.”
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