Olympic diving champion Tom Daley attends a prestigious garden party hosted by the UK ambassador in Washington DC, drawing criticism for his casual attire lacking a tie.
Daley’s Surprise Invitation and Royal Encounter
The event gathers 650 guests, including high-profile figures such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senator Ted Cruz, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, current House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Guy Pelly, a school friend of the Prince of Wales. Daley, a surprise guest, chats briefly with King Charles about his passion for knitting. The King expresses surprise at his presence, asking, ‘What are you doing here?’ and notes he has not seen the Olympian in years.
Daley inquires if the King still knits, prompting the response, ‘No, not anymore. You are much better at it.’ Daley humbly replies, ‘No I don’t think so.’ Later, Daley shares with LBC that the King took up knitting as a boy at age eight but found it challenging. He highlights knitting’s benefits for creativity, mindfulness, and mental health, expressing hope to reintegrate it into school curricula with royal support.
Social Media Criticism Over Attire
The 31-year-old, who flew in from Los Angeles where he resides with husband Dustin Lance Black and their two children, opts for a suit jacket and open-collared shirt without a tie. Social media users label the look ‘scruffy’ and disrespectful. One comments, ‘Shameful. Tom Daley could at least have knitted himself a tie. And thereby show some respect.’ Another states, ‘I’m sorry I don’t necessarily agree with the royal family but I would at least be dressed appropriately. If I was a man I would definitely wear a tie.’ A third notes, ‘Tom looks really scruffy.’
This choice contrasts with Daley’s formal suit and tie on last year’s The Celebrity Traitors, featuring a pinstripe shirt, tweed blazer, and royal blue tie.
Other Highlights from the Royal Visit
Queen Camilla engages with leaders from domestic abuse charities. The royals meet organizers of a time capsule for America’s 250th independence anniversary, viewing its contents despite Camilla admitting jet lag. They also inspect the new White House beehive installed by the First Lady, sparking interest as avid beekeepers who sell their own honey for charity. The hive educates visitors on pollination.
Legal proceedings, including the arrest of the King’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor related to Jeffrey Epstein cases, prevent meetings with victims.
King’s Address to Congress
King Charles delivers a 20-minute speech to a joint session of Congress, marking only the second such address by a British monarch after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. He describes the UK-US alliance since American independence as ‘one of the greatest alliances in human history,’ emphasizing shared democratic traditions from the Magna Carta.
The King acknowledges past disagreements, including recent tensions between President Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over Iran’s conflict, yet stresses enduring defense, intelligence, and security ties. He underscores defending ideals for liberty, equality, rule of law, and economic prosperity amid global uncertainty.
Charles highlights trade, technology deals, natural wonders, environmental protection, faith inclusivity, compassion, and peace. He references a recent gun attack at a Washington DC dinner attended by the US president, offering British solidarity on America’s 250th anniversary. The speech promotes reconciliation, renewal, and safeguarding shared values for future security and prosperity.
