What's all the buzz about? Melania Trump is growing the White House honey program with a new beehive

First lady Melania Trump smiles during the 113th Annual First Lady's Luncheon, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON — What’s all the buzz about?

Melania Trump on Friday announced that she is expanding the White House honey program by adding a beehive in the shape of the White House to two other beehives that have been on the south grounds since 2009.

The existing hives can swell to about 70,000 bees during peak summer months and produce 200 pounds to 225 pounds (91 to 102 kg) of honey in a year, the White House said. The new hive could increase honey production by about 30 pounds (13.6 kg), according to the White House.

The announcement came just before King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, were expected to arrive in Washington on a four-day state visit, including an elaborate White House state dinner on Tuesday hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump and the first lady.

Charles and Camilla are supporters of beekeeping. The king keeps at least three beehives at Highgrove House, their private residence southwest of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, England, as part of his support for the environment and sustainability.

The queen is also a bee fan. She is a patron of Bees for Development, a charity that promotes the role of bees in sustainable development worldwide.

The White House uses the clover honey to prepare meals, as official gifts from the president and first lady, and in donations to food kitchens.

The bees help pollinate a nearby produce garden that then-first lady Michelle Obama started in 2009 and a nearby flower cutting garden, along with vegetation on the National Mall.

The beekeeping program began in 2009 after a White House carpenter started beekeeping as a hobby on the complex.

The new hive was funded through the Trust for the National Mall, the White House said.

The hive and the base were designed by White House residence staff and hand-made by a Virginia artisan.

Darlene Superville, The Associated Press