British monarch visits Washington to mark 250 years of American independence

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Two and a half centuries after the American colonies declared independence from Britain under King George III, his descendant King Charles III arrived at the White House on Monday with trans-Atlantic ties under strain and security in the spotlight.

A shooting at a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday sparked a last-minute security review of the four-day state visit, intended to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary, and the US-UK "special relationship."

Buckingham Palace said the king "is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed." 

Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House South Portico. The couples were to chat over tea in the Green Room before they go outside to see a new beehive in the shape of the White House that the first lady had installed last week. 

Charles and Camilla both support beekeeping. He keeps at least three beehives at his private residence in England as part of his support for the environment and sustainability.