On the second day of their US visit, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall flew into Andrews Air Force Base, outside Washington, from New York.

The couple met President Bush and his wife at the White House where they ate lunch with various relatives of Mr Bush and diplomats.

Charles and Camilla did the traditional royal walkabout at a school they visited to see initiatives for disadvantaged children.

The royal couple had two meals at the White House, with buffalo steaks and celery broth on the menu for dinner.

At the banquet, President Bush said to the prince: "Your visit is a reminder of the unique and enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States."

Twenty years ago, Charles and Diana visited the White House when Ronald Reagan was president.

Mr Reagan's widow and former first lady Nancy Reagan was among political, military and entertainment guests to attend.

In a post-dinner toast the prince said to Mr Bush: "Truly the burden of the world rests on your shoulders."