Joe Biden, the new mum and George Clooney at Christmas tree lighting

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Harry, Duke of Sussex wave to the crowd

Former Vice President Joe Biden joined his daughter to help light the National Christmas Tree in Washington, US, on Monday.

Biden – who is a very keen gardener – helped flowerbeds grow for the special event in the Ellipse between the White House and the National Mall.

Last week, Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex married in an American wedding fit for royalty.

‘A true American patriot’

Mr Biden led the charge with his daughter, Ashley, for a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Ashley Biden sang the National Anthem

Mrs Biden later tweeted about her excitement over the Christmas tree lighting, saying: “So honoured to sing the Star Spangled Banner with my dad for the lighting of the tree!”

Image caption Mrs Biden expressed her love for her father

Mr Biden, who was vice president from 2009 to 2017, told USA Today he “didn’t know what to expect”.

“I’ve never really lit a tree,” he said. “It was an honour, but I didn’t really know what to expect.

“I think it was all over the radar in my house,” he added.

Mr Biden’s a well-known outdoor enthusiast and gardener.

In April, he was pictured bailing water in his backyard on the birth of his first grandchild.

Image copyright Alex Urosevic/USAToday Image caption Joe Biden used to be an avid bicycle racer

The National Christmas Tree marks the start of the White House Christmas season.

The lighting has attracted a large media presence and the event is the most-watched television event of the year in the US.

#washington

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the tree lighting

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in the US capital on Sunday before spending three days in New York City, where they will speak to young leaders at the American Museum of Natural History.

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