King George VI & Queen Elizabeth in Canada 1939; Wikimedia Commons
Since American independence from England in 1776, the relationship between the two countries was often strained. But, perceiving the need for cooperation with the threat of war looming in Europe, President Franklin Roosevelt invited Britain’s royal couple to visit the USA. Despite some opposition, the vast majority of Americans welcomed England’s royalty in Washington D.C. on June 8, 1939 with exuberant delight.