King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a four-day state visit to the United States, beginning Monday, in a historic trip aimed at reinforcing the so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and US. The visit proceeds as planned despite a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner over the weekend.
Background and Security
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday that the state visit would go ahead following the shooting at the Washington Hilton, where gunshots were fired shortly after 8:30pm local time. President Donald Trump and other officials were rushed to safety, and one law enforcement officer was injured before the suspect was detained. A palace spokesperson stated: 'Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of government, we can confirm the state visit by their Majesties will proceed as planned.' UK Ambassador to the US Christian Turner expressed confidence in security arrangements.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to mend diplomatic ties after President Trump criticized the UK's approach to the Iran conflict and made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The trip also marks the King's first state visit to the US as monarch, coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Monday: Arrival and Welcome
Charles and Camilla are scheduled to arrive at the White House's south portico at around 4:15pm local time (9pm BST), where they will be greeted by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The two couples will have a private afternoon tea in the Green Room. Later, the King and Queen will visit the White House beehives on the South Lawn, following the expansion of the honey-making programme announced by the First Lady. The day concludes with a garden party featuring guests symbolizing US-UK ties.
Tuesday: Official Ceremonies and State Dinner
The second day in Washington DC begins with a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, including a military ceremony with national anthems by the US Marine Band and a 21-gun salute. The couples will inspect the military escort and review 300 US service members and 500 armed forces personnel. The King and Queen will sign the White House guest book and exchange gifts with the Trumps. King Charles will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office and is expected to address both houses of Congress. The evening features a state dinner in the East Room hosted by the Trumps.
Wednesday: New York and 9/11 Memorial
On the third day, the royals travel to New York to visit the 9/11 Memorial, marking the approaching 25th anniversary of the attacks. They will meet first responders and families of victims. At the New York Public Library, Queen Camilla will donate a specially made toy of Winnie-the-Pooh character Roo, completing a set of original toys that belonged to Christopher Robin. The original Roo was lost in the 1930s; the new toy was crafted by Merrythought, the original manufacturer.
Thursday: Virginia and Departure
The final day begins with farewells to the Trumps before heading to Virginia for community activities. Charles and Camilla will attend a community party celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and meet indigenous communities to discuss climate change projects. Following the US visit, King Charles will travel to Bermuda.
