"A symbol of stability and continuity": international reactions to the coronation of Charles III

Highlights: U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the U.S.-British friendship, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sees it as a symbol of stability and continuity. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on London to implement a long-term strategy for "peace" and "cooperation" German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the arrival on the throne of an ally on the climate cause. The new monarch was crowned with great pomp Saturday in London at the age of 74 alongside the new Queen Camilla.

Shortly after the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the United Kingdom, many foreign officials sent their congratulations to the country's new sovereigns. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the U.S.-British friendship, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sees it as a symbol of stability and continuity.

Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credits: Odd ANDERSEN / AFP 15:35 pm, May 06, 2023

Shortly after the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the United Kingdom, many foreign officials sent their congratulations to the country's new sovereigns. US President Joe Biden praised the US-British friendship, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sees it as "a symbol of stability and continuity".

From Brussels to Washington via Beijing, many countries have sent their congratulations to the new British King Charles III, crowned with great pomp Saturday in London at the age of 74 alongside the new Queen Camilla. US President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted the new British sovereign. Europe 1 takes stock of political reactions around the world.

>> READ ALSO – Coronation of Charles III: Prince Harry, discreetly at Westminster Abbey

Washington praises US-British 'friendship'

US President Joe Biden congratulated King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their coronation by hailing the "long friendship" between the United States and Britain, on his Twitter account. "The long friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom is a source of strength for our two peoples," he said, saying he was "proud" that his wife Jill is representing the United States at the ceremony in London.

Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.

I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 6, 2023

A "symbol of stability" for the EU

The coronation of Charles III "is a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy, a symbol of stability and continuity," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter. "My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla," she added, posting photos of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey where she was present.

The Coronation is a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy. A symbol of stability and continuity.

My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. pic.twitter.com/rhLM9iAFrG

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 6, 2023

Beijing calls for 'development' and 'peace'

Congratulating the new British sovereign, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on London to implement a long-term strategy for "peace" and "cooperation". "China and the UK, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, should take a strategic and long-term approach to promote the historic movement towards peace, development and win-win cooperation," the Chinese leader quoted the official Xinhua news agency as saying.

"China stands ready to work with the UK to improve the friendship between their two peoples," Xi added.

An ally for "cooperation" and "the climate", welcomes Berlin

On a visit to Kenya, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the arrival on the throne of an ally on the climate cause. "For me, it was and still is very important that this is someone who is committed to close cooperation between Britain and the European Union and who also has his own fight to advance climate protection," he said. "It will help us too."

Rome's "best wishes"

On Twitter, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent her "best wishes to King Charles III, Queen Camilla and all the British people". The far-right leader also took the opportunity to salute the Italian know-how, honored in Westminster Abbey where Charles III was crowned.

L'antico mosaico cosmatesco nell'Abbazia di Westminster, sul quale oggi è stato posto il trono per l'incoronazione di Re Carlo III, è stato magistralmente realizzato da artigiani italiani circa otto secoli fa.

Oggi è ancora lì a meravigliare il mondo, e a raccontare la storica... pic.twitter.com/a8EN7XJPWn

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 6, 2023

The "Cosmati Pavement", the mosaic floor on which the throne of the new monarch rested on Saturday, was "masterfully created by Italian craftsmanship" and "continues today to impress the world and recall the rich cooperation between Italy and the United Kingdom which, we are sure, (...) will be further strengthened with King Charles," Meloni said.

Athens congratulates "a friend of Greece"

In an English-language message posted on Twitter, the Greek Foreign Ministry "warmly congratulated His Majesty King Charles III", calling him a "faithful friend of Greece". "While wishing him success in his missions, we look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation and further deepening our historic bilateral relations," the ministry added.