The Royal Family and the United States: A Historic Relationship

As The King and Queen undertake their four-day State Visit to the United States, we look back at the longstanding relationship between The Royal Family and the USA, reflecting on decades of shared history, memorable meetings, and enduring ties between the two nations

President Gerald R. Ford dancing with QE2 during a State Dinner at the White House, 1976. NARA

President Roosevelt, 1939

In 1939, Franklin Roosevelt invited King George VI to the United States, the first visit to be made by a British Monarch.

Following two days in Washington, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth accompanied the Roosevelts to Hyde Park, New York.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit the Roosevelts in Hyde Park, US, 1939. NARA.jpg

President Eisenhower, 1957

Over the course of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II carried out 4 State Visits to the USA – in 1957, 1976, 1991, and 2007.

In 1957, on her first State Visit to the United States as monarch, Queen Elizabeth II addressed the United Nations, attended a state dinner at the White House, and visited historic Jamestown and Williamsburg.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady, QE2, and Prince Philip stand at the North Portico of the White House, 1957. NARA.jpg — President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the First Lady, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip stand at the North Portico of the White House in 1957.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the First Lady, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip stand at the North Portico of the White House in 1957. — President Dwight Eisenhower and the First Lady greet Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the White House in 1957.

President Nixon, 1970

President Nixon and the First Lady with QE2 and Prime Minister Heath in Buckinghamshire, 1970. NARA.jpg

In 1970, The King, as Prince of Wales, made his first visit to the USA alongside his sister, The Princess Royal. The visit was hosted by President Nixon’s children.

Prince Charles shakes hands with White House Executive Chef Henry Haller following a dinner at the White House, 1970. Courtesy o.jpg

21yr old Prince Charles and 19yr old Princess Anne speak with Tricia Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and her husband David Eis.jpg

President Ford, 1976

In 1976, Her late Majesty visited Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York to mark America’s 200th anniversary. Their Majesties’ visit this week will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

QE2 at a State Dinner with President Gerald R. Ford at the White House, 1976. NARA.jpg

President Gerald R. Ford and QE2 during the State Dinner at the White House, 1976. NARA.jpg — President Gerald R. Ford and Queen Elizabeth II during the State Dinner at the White House, 1976.

President Gerald R. Ford dancing with QE2 during a State Dinner at the White House, 1976. NARA.jpg

President George H. W. Bush, 1991

President George H. W. Bush and QE2 during an Arrival Ceremony at the White House in 1991. White House Historical Association.jpg — President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II during an arrival ceremony at the White House in 1991.

President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II during an Arrival Ceremony at the White House, 1991. White House Historical A.jpg — President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II during an arrival ceremony at the White House, 1991.

QE2 and President George H. W. Bush plant a little-leaf linden tree on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds in 1991. White .jpg — Queen Elizabeth II and President George H. W. Bush planted a little-leaf linden tree on the White House South Lawn in 1991.

President W Bush, 2007

Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush, 2007 b.jpg

Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush, 2007 c.jpg

Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush, 2007 d.jpg

Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush, 2007 e.jpg

Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush, 2007.jpg

QE2 and DE at Mission Control at NASA in Greenbelt, Maryland, 2007.jpg

QE2 at the World War II Memorial in Washington DC, 2007.jpg

QE2 in Mission Control at, NASA in Greenbelt, Maryland, 2007.jpg

Visits by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall

In 2005, The Queen, as Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied The King, as Prince of Wales, to the United States on their first official overseas visit together following their marriage.