US President Joe Biden will not be in attendance at the Coronation of King Charles on Saturday, May 6.
Some commentators, such as American broadcaster Kinsey Schofield, have said the 46th president will skip the ceremony because he was "disappointed" at being seated 14 rows back at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. However, it is more likely it is all due to tradition.
US leaders have tended to politely decline invitations to British coronations given the history between the two countries. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953 President Dwight Eisenhower did not attend but the US did send a delegation.
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Due to the negative headlines over President Biden's declined invite, the White House issued a transcript of the call he made to King Charles. This included details of how he congratulated Charles and that his wife Jill Biden, The First Lady, will be attending in his place.
It said: "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with King Charles III, underscoring the strength of the relationship between our countries and the friendship between our peoples.
"The President congratulated the King on his upcoming Coronation and informed him that First Lady Jill Biden looks forward to attending on behalf of the United States. The President also conveyed his desire to meet with the King in the United Kingdom at a future date."
More than 2,000 guests are expected at the Coronation ceremony on Saturday and millions are expected to watch from home.
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