King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the US at the start of their four-day state visit to the US - the first since Queen Elizabeth II's state visit in 2007.

The trip, which comes as the US approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence from Britain, is aimed at celebrating the strong relationship between the two countries.

King Charles and Queen Camilla descended the stairs of the aircraft as they began their four-day visit.

They were greeted with flowers from children.

After walking through a guard of honour, a military band played both the US and UK national anthems.

The royal couple then went on to meet Donald and Melania Trump at the White House for afternoon tea.

The royal couple were shown a beehive shaped like the White House, part of a long-running honey-making programme.

Queen Camilla posed with military cadets at a British embassy garden party.

The King chatted with retired British diver Tom Daley among other guests.

King Charles will address the US Congress on Tuesday and it is expected to express sympathy over Saturday's gun attack.

The British monarch returns to the US on Monday, a country he has been visiting for decades.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Washington DC, New York and Virginia during their four-day trip.

The decision was made "after discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day", the Palace says.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with President Donald Trump during a four-day state visit.