King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel from Washington DC to New York on Wednesday as their royal visit to the United States continues. They will visit the 9/11 memorial ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, meeting first responders and families of those who lost their lives that day.
King Charles' State Dinner Jokes and Iran Comment Controversy
Buckingham Palace has responded after President Donald Trump claimed that King Charles agreed with him that Iran should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Speaking during a formal state dinner on Tuesday night, President Trump said the US would never allow Iran to develop nuclear arms and suggested the King shared that view. 'Charles agrees with me even more than I do,' Trump commented. However, in his own remarks after Trump spoke, Charles did not mention Iran or the Iran war. A Palace spokesperson stated: 'The King is naturally mindful of his Government's long-standing and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation.'
King Charles also drew laughs during the state dinner at the White House by referencing the turbulent shared history of the UK and the United States. He noted Donald Trump's controversial designs for a ballroom in the East Wing and reminded the audience that the British had attempted a 'real estate development of the White House in 1814', alluding to the burning of much of the capital by British forces during the War of 1812.
Recap: King Charles to Visit New York to Commemorate 9/11 Victims
On the third day of their US visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will begin their day in New York with a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial in lower Manhattan, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed in 2001. The King is expected to meet Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the ceremony. Later, he will head to Harlem to visit a grassroots community organisation that has created an urban farming initiative to combat food insecurity. Meanwhile, Camilla will celebrate the 100th birthday of A.A. Milne’s character Winnie the Pooh on behalf of her charity, The Queen’s Reading Room.
UK Ambassador's Remarks on 'Special Relationship'
The UK’s ambassador to Washington, Sir Christian Turner, has reportedly said that America’s only 'special relationship' is with 'probably Israel' rather than the UK. His remarks, made in February during a private conversation with visiting students from the UK, emerged on the second day of King Charles’s state visit. The comments are likely to exacerbate growing animosity from the Trump administration towards Downing Street and may bring discomfort to King Charles, who was welcomed by Donald Trump with an address hailing the 'cherished bond' between the countries.
Five Key Takeaways from King Charles’s Historic US Congress Speech
King Charles delivered a historic speech to both houses of Congress, receiving multiple standing ovations. He became the second British monarch, after Queen Elizabeth II, to address a joint session. Key takeaways include his remarks on the UK-US relationship, his defence of Nato, and an absence of mention for Epstein’s survivors. The King centred transatlantic harmony and received a rapturous response.
Prime Minister Starmer Comments on King's Visit
Sir Keir Starmer said the King’s visit to the US is a 'powerful reminder' of the special relationship between the US and the UK. Opening Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, the prime minister stated: 'The state visit by His Majesty the King is a powerful reminder of the deep and special relationship we have with the United States.' Sir Keir has been criticised by President Trump over his refusal to send military assistance to the war in Iran.
King Charles US Visit Schedule: When Will He Meet 9/11 Survivors?
King Charles III and Camilla are on the third day of their four-day state visit. They will visit the 9/11 memorial around 1pm local time (6pm BST), marking the approach of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. During the visit, they will meet first responders and families of those killed. As part of a visit to the New York Public Library’s permanent treasures collection at 2pm local time (7pm BST), the Queen will give a specially made toy of Winnie-the-Pooh character Roo to the library to complete a set of beloved characters. The Roo toy was made by traditional British teddy bear makers Merrythought, who produced the original toys.
The full menu for Tuesday night’s state dinner included classic French dishes such as Dover sole meuniere and potatoes pave, with a spring theme inspired by English gardens. The dinner celebrated the relationship between the two nations.
