Joe Biden's bizarre explanation for not attending King Charles' Coronation
US President Joe Biden is not in attendance at King Charles' historic Coronation today, in a VERY notable absence.
The most powerful man in the world has instead sent wife and US First Lady Jill along, and granddaughter Finnegan Biden is her plus one as the pair represent the US at the big day.
The White House is adamant that the move is not a snub and points out this is the first time a family member of a sitting president has attended the coronation of a British monarch.
So, why is it not a snub and what reasons have Biden given for not showing up for Charles' big day?
This is not the first time a US president has missed the ceremony - no US leader has ever attended the ceremony since the country gained its independence in 1776.
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Follow The Mirror's live blog for all the latest updates from today's historic event
US First Lady Jill Biden and her grand daughter Finnegan Biden arrive at Westminster Abbey today (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Biden staying away follows a tradition of US presidents not going. Back in 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower did not attend the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Instead, he sent Earl Warren, the governor of California, George Marshall, former secretary of State, and Omar Bradley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
And also, in a relaxed interview with MSNBC broadcast this weekend, Biden appears to joke he could not go to Charles' Coronation as "I have this going on" - referring to the interview.
First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden arriving ahead of the coronation ceremony (PA)Sitting down with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle, the President claimed: "I told him I couldn't be there because I have this going on."
The 80-year-old claimed he told the king he would be in the United Kingdom during the summer for the NATO conference.
He added: "He's a good acquaintance and we've worked together on environmental issues."
Former President Donald Trump - likely to be Biden's opponent in 2024, told GB News his rival was being "disrespectful".
Biden speaks with MSNBC (MSNBC)He said: "Certainly, he should be here as our representative of our country. I was very surprised, I think it's very disrespectful for him not to be here."
The White House said in a statement: "There is no official US delegation. Finnegan is a plus one.
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"As we’ve noted before with other family travel, historically, family members of Presidents have frequently joined them during travel.
"Current practices are consistent with those used by prior Administrations."
The Princess of Wales speaks with the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden and her grand daughter Finnegan Biden during a reception at Buckingham Palace for overseas guests (The Royal Family/UPI/REX/Shutterstock)Jill attended a reception at Buckingham Palace yesterday hosted by the King, and both the First Lady and Finnegan were seen talking to the Princess of Wales. The pair also met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street.
A White House statement last month 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.”
Biden received some criticism for choosing not to attend the coronation, but no US president has ever visited the historic event and he called the King in April to inform him that the First Lady would attend in his place.
The President, who recently announced he would run again for the top office in 2024, accepted an invitation from the King to attend a state visit to the UK, though no date has yet been set.
Then US President Barack Obama and then Vice President Biden (R), with Charles (2ndL) and Camilla, in the Oval Office of the White House in 2015 (AFP via Getty Images)Ahead of the coronation, the First Lady said: "Headed to the UK for the Coronation of King Charles III – the first in 70 years!
"It's an honour to represent the United States for this historic moment and celebrate the special relationship between our countries."
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