Washington DC made an embarrassing mix-up ahead of King Charles's visit. 15 Australian flags were mistakenly displayed near the White House instead of British ones. A quick fix followed.

The confusion likely came from the Australian flag's design - it has the Union Jack plus white stars on blue. Among 230 flags welcoming the British monarch, someone didn't double-check.

Online jokes flew fast. One commenter blamed George Bush and "No Child Left Behind." Another noted keeping Australian flags wouldn't be wrong - Charles is Australia's ceremonial head of state.

King Charles arrives Monday for his first US visit as monarch - a four-day trip marking 250 years since American independence. It's the most high-profile trip of his reign.

The royal couple will address Congress, attend a White House banquet, and meet 9/11 victims' families in New York. They'll also visit Virginia before Charles heads to Bermuda.

But Brits aren't thrilled. YouGov shows 49% oppose the trip. Only Nigel Farage's Reform UK supports it - Greens, Lib Dems, and 62% of Labour voters are against it.

This royal visit comes as the US-UK "special relationship" hits a 70-year low, strained by the Iran war. Trump has attacked PM Starmer as weak and dismissed British aircraft carriers as "toys."

Yet Trump remains fond of Charles, calling him "a brave man, and a great man." He believes the visit could repair relations. Charles received a warm welcome at Windsor Castle last September.

Former ambassador Nigel Sheinwald says the visit demonstrates ties deeper than individuals. "This is about fundamentals of the relationship between our peoples."

Australian flag in mix-up as Washington prepares to welcome Charles

Australian flag in mix-up as Washington prepares to welcome Charles

Down Under blunder: DC mistakenly displays Australian flags instead of British ones ahead of King Charles visit

Down Under blunder: DC mistakenly displays Australian flags instead of British ones ahead of King Charles visit

US Preparation For King Charles Visit Goes Down Under With Australian Flag Error

DC’s preparations for King Charles’ Washington visit goes Down Under with Australian flag error

DC’s preparations for King Charles’ Washington visit goes Down Under with Australian flag error

DC preparation for King Charles visit goes Down Under with Australian flag error

DC preparation for King Charles visit goes Down Under with Australian flag error