Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met King Charles III at Sandringham House on Sunday, March 2, 2025, capping a whirlwind UK visit following a bruising clash with U.S. President Donald Trump. The private audience, held at the King’s 20,000-acre Norfolk estate, underscored Britain’s solidarity with Ukraine as European leaders scramble to steady transatlantic ties.

Zelensky, clad in his signature black military attire, arrived by helicopter around 5:25 p.m., greeted by locals waving Ukrainian flags. Photos showed the King beaming as he shook hands with Zelensky outside, later posing by a roaring fire in the Saloon. The meeting, lasting just under an hour, followed Zelensky’s attendance at a London defense summit hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I’m very happy His Majesty accepted my meeting,” Zelensky said Saturday, thanking Britain for its unwavering support.

The visit came two days after Trump’s White House tirade against Zelensky on February 28, where he accused the Ukrainian leader of risking “World War Three,” abruptly ending talks. The fallout prompted Zelensky’s dash to London, where Starmer pledged £1.6 billion ($2 billion) in missile aid and rallied European leaders at Lancaster House. Charles’ invitation—coordinated with the Foreign Office—was a rare royal gesture, balancing his apolitical role with a show of soft power after delivering Trump a state visit invite days earlier.

The King, a vocal supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, first met Zelensky in February 2023 at Buckingham Palace, calling it a “special moment.” Sunday’s talks likely echoed that warmth, though stayed within diplomatic bounds. As Zelensky departed at 6:35 p.m., the meeting signaled Britain’s intent to bolster Ukraine amid U.S. uncertainty, with Europe bracing for a pivotal week ahead.