President Biden and King Charles III of Britain are set to meet on Monday at Windsor Castle to discuss their shared passion for tackling environmental issues and clean-energy investment. Both leaders face skepticism from the public about their ability to lead diverse groups and institutions. As older men in powerful positions, they are also tasked with redefining what it means to be an older person and connecting with younger, multicultural generations.
Charles and Biden have spent decades in the public eye and find solace in retreating to their own personal spaces. Biden often escapes the White House for his beachside homes in Delaware, while Charles prefers his countryside retreat in Gloucestershire over Buckingham Palace. They both understand the challenges of being fathers in the public eye, especially when their relationships with their youngest sons come under scrutiny.
While they share common ground on environmental issues, the president and the king have distinct personalities. Biden is gregarious and outgoing, while Charles is more reserved and contemplative. Charles’s intellectual pursuits, such as architecture and organic farming, sometimes seem unconventional. On the other hand, Biden relates to working-class Americans through stories of his Amtrak commutes and his gas-powered 1967 Corvette.
Despite their differences, both leaders value tradition. While Biden has declined to bow to Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, Charles follows the traditions of the British monarchy. The tension between the US and Britain has been apparent in Biden’s previous visits, but this meeting is expected to be cordial due to the common ground shared by the president and the king.
The logistics of the visit have not been without difficulties, as the White House initially questioned the need for a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, they eventually agreed to a handshake in front of 10 Downing Street. The White House also accommodated Charles’s request to meet at Windsor Castle instead of Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing renovations.
Overall, the meeting between Biden and Charles symbolizes a continuation of the partnership between the United States and Britain, despite any minor tensions or logistical challenges. Their shared interests provide a foundation for discussion and collaboration, particularly on environmental issues and clean energy.