The White House was looking picture-postcard perfect in anticipation of Anthony Albanese’s arrival.

Under warm sunshine and a brilliant blue sky, the most famous residence in the world shimmered whiter-than-white. A gentle breeze sent the Stars and Stripes fluttering. Hundreds of people – the White House estimated almost 4000, which seemed generous – lined the rope lines, waving little Australian and US flags. A groundskeeper wielded a blower vac to remove the overnight dew from chairs for the delegations. The red carpet had been rolled out, the military band was in tune.