ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. — Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for a three-day visit, during which they plan to visit cultural and educational sites before heading to Kentucky.

The royal couple landed at Andrews Air Force Base, where they shook hands with U.S. and British officials as they squinted in the setting sun and strong winds. Prince Charles wore a blue suit and Camilla had on a coat and dress that appeared to be ivory or dove gray.

The couple did not speak to assembled members of the news media and went directly to a reception at the home of British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and his wife, Lady Susie Westmacott. There they headed to the embassy’s ornate living area, and were too busy shaking hands and chatting with Embassy staffers to take part in the hors d’oeuvres that were served.

They were expected to have a private dinner afterward.

Before the royal couple arrived, Sir Peter Westmacott said in a statement that during their visit, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will promote democratic values and environmental preservation, and perform an “essential role” in keeping the trans-Atlantic relationship “special.”

The couple are expected to visit cultural and educational sites in Washington over the next three days, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Mount Vernon, the National Archives and the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Prince Charles last visited the U.S. in 2011. As he did then, he’s scheduled to meet this week with President Barack Obama.