King Charles III pays tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter, remembering 1977 visit with 'great fondness'

King Charles III has paid tribute to former US president Jimmy Carter in a heartfelt message remembering the late politician's inspirational legacy.

The statement was shared to the official British royal family account's Instagram Story just hours after news of Carter's death aged 100 on the morning of Monday, December 30.

"It is with great sadness that that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the statement, signed by the monarch, began.

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"He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights," the typed out message continued.

Carter was the 39th president of the United States, serving one term from 1977 to 1981.

After his presidency, Carter became recognised for his charity and humanitarian efforts.

He worked with Habitat for Humanity International and was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work promoting human rights.

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"His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977," the King recalled.

The statement concluded: "My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter's family and the American people at this time."

The former US president died at his Georgia home surrounded by family, aged 100, making him the longest-lived president in history.

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Carter visited and met with members of the British royal family in May 1977.

The then-President joined other world leaders for a dinner at Buckingham Palace, which the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother were present for.

Carter was pictured in conversation with the three royals at the dinner.

The dinner took place during the 1977 G7 Summit, which was held in London.

Carter is survived by his four children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, as well as his 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

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His son James Earl 'Chip' Carter III shared a statement released by The Carter Center.

He remembered his father as "a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love."

"The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs," he said.

Carter's longtime wife Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023 aged 96.

The couple had been married since 1946, right up until Rosalynn's death last year.

The president had known his wife since they were children, both growing up in Plains, Georgia.

"Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, she gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it," Carter said in a statement released after news of her death.

"As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."

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