Jill Biden, accompanied by her granddaughter Finnegan Biden, 23, represented her husband, President Joe Biden, at the coronation of King Charles III in the United Kingdom.
Despite President Biden's absence, the first lady expressed her impressions of the ceremony in a recent interview. Attending the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Camilla, Jill Biden conveyed her awe at the grandeur of the event, describing it as "simply amazing to see." She shared her fascination with witnessing the crown being placed on the king's and queen's heads, emphasizing the surreal nature of the moment.
Historically, no sitting U.S. head of state has attended a British monarch's coronation. While President Dwight Eisenhower received an official invitation to Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, he did not attend. Jill Biden's presence marked a historic moment as the first American first lady to attend a British coronation, and she was joined by her granddaughter Finnegan.
Expressing her honor at representing the American people, Jill Biden highlighted the significance of sharing the experience with Finnegan. Following the coronation, the duo indulged in a British tradition by having tea together. The first lady reflected on the sense of decorum and civility she felt during the event, emphasizing its ability to unite people from diverse nations.
During her time at Westminster Abbey, Jill Biden engaged in conversations with international figures, including Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine. Their discussion centered on the Russian invasion, with Zelenska expressing gratitude for Biden's support.
Additionally, Jill Biden shared a lighthearted moment with Princess Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William. Sitting together at the Abbey, they amused themselves by keeping the duchess's lively children entertained. Reflecting on the shared laughter, Jill Biden remarked, "I think it's something common to many of us."
