Jill Biden and granddaughter Finnegan meet the Prime Minister’s wife ahead of King Charles’ coronation
First Lady Jill Biden put on a very colorful display on Friday to brighten up a gray day in London, as she and her granddaughter Finnegan met the British Prime Minister’s wife ahead of their attendance at King Charles’s coronation on Saturday.
Jill, 71, donned a bright pink coat and sweater for the occasion, which she paired with some $1,150 Christian Dior floral print slingback heels and a clear umbrella to shield herself from the drizzle.
Meanwhile, University of Pennsylvania graduate Finnegan opted for a more pared-down outfit, arriving at Downing Street in a chic navy blue suit and beige heels.
Finnegan, the daughter of Hunter, the scandal-plagued son of President Joe Biden, traveled to London with her grandmother on Saturday as the First Lady’s official plus one for King Charles’s coronation ceremony — after her grandfather sparked furious controversy by choosing the historical event.
First Lady Jill Biden put on a very colorful display on Friday to brighten up a gray day in London, as she and her granddaughter Finnegan met with the British Prime Minister’s wife
Jill, 71, and her granddaughter Finnegan, 24, will attend King Charles’ coronation on Saturday after President Joe Biden sparked controversy by choosing to skip the historic event
Finnegan, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania – the daughter of Hunter, President Biden’s scandal-ridden son – looked chic in a navy blue suit
Meanwhile Akshata Murthy, the wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, waved the flag for British designers by wearing a patterned blue silk midi dress from London-based brand Rixo, which she paired with a pair of pointed heels from British label LK Bennett – which is a favorite of the Princess of Wales.
On their arrival at Number 10 Downing Street, Jill and Finnegan received a very warm greeting from Akshata, who kissed the First Lady on each cheek, before shaking hands with her granddaughter.
While the three women happily posed for photos, their meeting – which takes place less than 24 hours before Finnegan and Jill will join 2,000 other select guests at Westminster Abbey for the coronation – took place behind closed doors with no access to the press.
In honor of the historic royal occasion this weekend, the exterior of number 10 Downing Street – the Prime Minister’s official residence and office – was decked out with Union Jack and coronation-themed flags.
After going to number 10 for their private meeting, Jill and Akshata make their way to the pillared room of the residence where they meet with a group of veterans who participate in a health and wellness program called The Fighting Chance, which provides boxing training and employment support. to former military personnel.
The veterans involved in the program engaged in sparring together as the two women watched, joined by Jane Hartley, the US Ambassador, and Johnny Mercer, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Jill asked the minister to “show me what you’re doing,” before being ushered around the room and introduced to several veterans – including Maurillia Simpson, a gold medalist in the Invictus Games, who rose from her wheelchair to the First Lady a hug.
After thanking Maurilla and her fellow ex-servicemen for their service, Jill and Akshata left Downing Street, waving to the photographers before getting into the back of a waiting SUV.
The 24-year-old traveled to London as a civil servant plus one from her grandmother, with the East Wing issuing a statement on Thursday announcing her presence at the coronation.
Upon their arrival at number 10, the two women received a very warm greeting from Akshata Murthy, who kissed Jill on each cheek before shaking hands with her granddaughter.
Jill and her British counterpart have several activities planned for the day, including a meeting with veterans and a visit to a local school in London
In honor of the royal event this weekend, Number 10 Downing Street – the Prime Minister’s official residence – was decked out with Union Jack and coronation-themed flags
After posing for photos together, the two women headed to number 10 for a private meeting
They will now travel to Charles Dickens Primary School in London where they will meet a group of students participating in various coronation-themed activities.
Tonight First Lady Jill will attend a reception at Buckingham Palace to be hosted by King Charles.
Finnegan is believed to be by Jill’s side for most of the day, though her presence has not been confirmed at any event.
Finnegan’s trip to London was not announced until Thursday by the White House in a statement shared via the East Wing, which said, “There is no official US delegation. Finnegan is a plus.
“As we’ve noted before with other family trips, relatives of presidents have historically often joined them on trips. Current practices are consistent with those of previous administrations.”
Meanwhile, Jill expressed her excitement about the trip.
‘Heading to the UK for the coronation of King Charles III – the first in 70 years!’ Jill tweeted Thursday as she left Joint Base Andrews.
“It is an honor to represent the United States at this historic moment and celebrate the special relationship between our nations.”
President Biden called the king in April to tell him that Jill would attend the coronation on behalf of the United States.
And former President Donald Trump said it was “deeply disrespectful” of Biden to decline the invitation and send his wife instead.
The White House has noted that no sitting US president has ever attended the coronation of a British monarch.
“I was very surprised to see that. I find it very disrespectful that he is not here,” Trump said in an interview with British commentator Nigel Farage.
“I don’t think he can handle it physically, actually. I think it’s hard for him to do it physically,” Trump said. ‘Sure, he should be here. He is our representative of our country.’
President Biden did accept an invitation from the king for a state visit to the UK, but no date has yet been set for that trip.