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The District of Columbia mistakenly placed several ‌Australian flags instead of British flags near the ‌White House ahead of King Charles' US visit, ‌although the error was quickly corrected, a Department of Transportation official says.

Charles is also the head of state ‌for Australia, ‌but ⁠the role is largely ceremonial.

Fifteen Australian ​flags were briefly included among more than 230 flags put on display to welcome the British king when he arrives in the ⁠US capital ‌on Monday.

​They were later replaced with the British ​flag, the official ‌said.

Freelance reporter Andrew Leyden shared several flag photos on X.

"After a short lunch break (and geography lesson) DC public work crews have decided to replace the Australian flags with the British flag around the White House," Leyden said.

Charles' state visit, to mark the ​250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule, is ​widely seen ​as the most ​high-profile trip of his ‌reign so far.

The trip will aim to shore up the two allies' "special relationship," which has sunk to its lowest point ​in 70 years amid strains surrounding the ​Iran war.

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