King Charles’ gift to President Donald Trump holds a deeply historical significance regarding relations between the US and the British monarchy.
The king, 77, gave Trump a framed premium copy of the 1879 design plans for the Resolute Desk during their gift exchange on Tuesday as part of the royals’ state visit, reports People. The desk — which sits in the Oval Office — signifies the uniting ties between the United Kingdom and the United States as it was originally a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.
It’s made from the wood of the British exploration ship the H.M.S. Resolute, which was found by American whalers after it was abandoned in 1854, according to the White House Historical Association.
The boat was eventually repaired and shipped back to Queen Victoria in 1856 as a showing of goodwill. The desk was made later after the ship was decommissioned in 1879 following years of service in the Royal Navy.
Its original design plans are kept by the National Maritime Museum in London.
In return, President Trump gave Charles a premium copy of a historical record from John Adams to John Jay in 1785. In the letter, Adams recounts his experience having King George III accept him as the first US ambassador to Great Britain.
The royal couple touched down in the US on Monday for their four-day visit in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The trip marks their first visit since Charles became king upon his mother’s death at 96 in September 2022.
On the first stop of their itinerary, Charles and Camilla, 78, met with the president and first lady Melania in DC where they sat for a private tea.
On Tuesday, Charles addressed congress — marking the second time a British monarch has spoken in front of the governing body since his mother in 1991.
They later made their way to the White House for the state dinner honoring King Charles hosted by Trump and his wife.
After finishing their stay in Washington, Charles and Camilla are expected to travel to New York City for several events.
The royal couple will reportedly honor the 2,977 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by meeting with first responders and some of the victims’ families ahead of the tragedy’s upcoming 25th anniversary.
Their state visit will come to a close in Virginia on Thursday, where they will attend a block party in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
At some point, Charles is expected to visit a national park by himself and Camilla will likely attend an event spotlighting horse racing in the US.
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