Jimmy Carter was among the 13 U.S. presidents who had the privilege of meeting Queen Elizabeth during her historic reign, which reportedly included a memorable yet awkward encounter with another member of the royal family. In May 1977, Queen Elizabeth hosted Carter at Buckingham Palace for a dinner with NATO leaders, marking his first official trip overseas after his presidential election victory. During the event, as President Carter stood alongside the Queen and other distinguished guests, he noticed the arrival of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth. Being the gentleman that he was, Carter graciously broke away to escort her to the line of assembled guests. The Georgia peanut farmer-turned-president enjoyed a dinner seating between the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, and across from her son, Prince Charles, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother, where they dined on chicken mousse served on gold plates. Reports later emerged claiming that Carter had kissed the Queen Mother on the lips, a gesture she reportedly found surprising. However, Carter clarified that the kiss was actually on the cheek as a courteous goodnight gesture following the diplomatic dinner. Despite later exaggerated reports in the British papers, Carter remained unapologetic for the interaction, as recounted in his autobiography. Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth crossed paths with numerous U.S. presidents, including a memorable meeting with President Joe Biden in June 2021 at Windsor Castle.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Queen Elizabeth, and President Joe Biden enjoyed tea together at Windsor Castle in June 2021. For those who can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s coverage of the Royals, signing up for the free Royals newsletter will provide the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and more. The trio was warmly welcomed at the dais in the Quadrangle of the castle, where the Queen’s Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards formed a Guard of Honor and offered a royal salute to the First Couple. Following this ceremonial greeting, Queen Elizabeth and the Bidens indulged in a traditional English tea inside the historic 1,000-year-old castle.
Subsequently, the Bidens represented the United States at Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral in September 2022. Later, Dr. Biden returned to London to lead the U.S. delegation at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May 2023. Accompanied by their granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, Dr. Biden participated in the historic coronation service, strengthening the diplomatic ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
