First Lady Melania Trump announced the expansion of the White House honey program on Friday with the addition of a new beehive shaped like the White House itself. The hive will join two existing beehives located on the South Grounds, which have been in place since 2009.

The current hives house up to approximately 70,000 bees during peak summer months and yield an annual honey production of roughly 200 to 225 pounds, according to White House officials. The newly introduced hive is expected to increase honey output by an estimated 30 pounds.

The announcement was made in the lead-up to the arrival of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who are scheduled for a four-day state visit to Washington. The visit will include a formal state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and the First Lady at the White House on Tuesday evening.

King Charles III is known for his commitment to environmental sustainability, maintaining at least three beehives at Highgrove House, their private residence near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, England. This personal interest in beekeeping aligns with the White House’s own efforts to support environmental stewardship through the honey program.

The clover honey produced by the White House bees is reportedly used in meal preparation at the residence, presented as official gifts from the president and first lady, and donated to local food kitchens. The expansion of the program underscores the administration’s continuing emphasis on sustainability initiatives within the Executive Residence.