Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2023. Among the numerous world leaders who offered their condolences was King Charles III. King Charles expressed his deep sadness upon hearing the news, remembering President Carter’s unwavering dedication to public service, peace, and human rights. He fondly recalled Carter’s visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.
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The 1977 G7 Summit in London marked the only meeting between King Charles, then Prince of Wales, and President Jimmy Carter. This summit brought together prominent figures like Pierre Trudeau, Princess Margaret, Takeo Fukuda, James Callaghan, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Giulio Andreotti, and Helmut Schmidt. The photograph captures a moment in history, highlighting the importance of international diplomacy and cooperation.
That same year, President Carter’s visit to Buckingham Palace included a meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, along with a controversial encounter with the Queen Mother. Reports emerged claiming Carter breached royal protocol by kissing the Queen Mother on the cheek instead of performing the customary curtsy. Some British media outlets even went so far as to suggest the kiss was on the lips, a claim the Queen Mother reportedly made to her biographer.
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In his autobiography, A Full Life: Reflections at 90, President Carter addressed the incident, stating he merely kissed the Queen Mother lightly on the cheek after dinner and expressed distress over the distorted reports. He maintained that he did not regret the gesture. Despite the controversy, Carter enjoyed a cordial relationship with the royal family. Upon Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022, he and Rosalynn Carter offered their condolences, praising her dignity, grace, and unwavering sense of duty.
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More recently, on Carter’s 100th birthday, King Charles conveyed a private message expressing warm congratulations and admiration for the former president’s lifetime of service. This gesture underscored the mutual respect between the two leaders.
President Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his presidency. His commitment to peace, human rights, and public service continued throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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Entering hospice care in February 2023, Carter leaves behind a lasting legacy, including four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His cousin, Betty Pope, aptly summarized his life as “very full, wonderful, and productive,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to peace and global improvement. King Charles’s heartfelt tribute echoes the sentiments of many, recognizing President Carter’s profound impact on the world.
