President Biden has reportedly decided not to attend King Charles' coronation; however, the U.S. may still be represented by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to The Telegraph, Buckingham Palace sources have revealed that the royal family was recently informed of President Biden's intentions not to attend the event as one of the many heads of state scheduled to be present.
Despite President Biden's absence, a formal U.S. delegation, including ambassadors, diplomats, and other personnel, will attend the coronation. The White House is expected to announce the delegation's members in the coming weeks. The reason for Biden's decision to forgo the event is attributed to prior commitments, although it is unclear what they are.
As no U.S. President has ever attended a British coronation, Biden's decision is not considered a departure from tradition. Some speculate that his Irish heritage or opinions on the monarchy could be factors influencing his decision. However, the president has remained neutral on these matters.
First Lady Jill Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris may represent the U.S. at the coronation, with heads of state from Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, Japan, Hungary, and Monaco also expected to attend. Despite some critics urging President Biden to reconsider, his decision to skip the event appears to be final.