Buckingham Palace is reportedly preparing a significant diplomatic push across the Atlantic, with both King Charles III and the Prince of Wales scheduled for separate visits to the United States in 2026. The trips form part of a major charm offensive targeting US President Donald Trump, coinciding with pivotal national celebrations and ongoing trade negotiations.
Separate Royal Itineraries for a Diplomatic Mission
According to sources, advanced talks are already underway for a state visit by the King, potentially as early as April. This would mark the first visit by a British monarch since the late Queen Elizabeth II was hosted by President George W. Bush in 2007. For King Charles, it will also be his first trip to America since his son, Prince Harry, relocated to California with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in 2020. Insiders suggest any meeting between father and son during the tour is considered highly improbable.
Meanwhile, Prince William, in his capacity as President of the Football Association, is likely to travel separately during the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico between June and July. England's group stage matches, which William may attend, are scheduled against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, Ghana in Massachusetts on June 21, and Panama in New Jersey on June 27. William's last US engagement was in 2023 for his Earthshot Prize initiative.
Strategic Timing Amid Trade and Celebrations
The royal visits are strategically timed to align with several major events. The most prominent is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, with its attendant Fourth of July festivities. This symbolic timing underscores the historic ties between the two nations.
More pressingly, the diplomacy drive comes at a critical juncture in post-Brexit trade negotiations between the UK and the US. Reports indicate that Washington has paused a tech partnership announced during President Trump's state visit to Britain in September 2025. Downing Street has acknowledged "active conversations" continue but admitted such negotiations are "never straightforward." Key sticking points are said to include Britain's digital services tax—opposed by Mr Trump's major tech supporters—and US demands for greater access for American farmers to UK markets.
The Royals as a 'Secret Weapon' in US-UK Relations
President Trump is a well-documented admirer of the British Royal Family, who are often viewed as a potent soft-power asset in transatlantic relations. During his historic second state visit to the UK in September 2025, the President lavished praise on the monarch, declaring him a "great gentleman and a great King." The visit included an overnight stay at Windsor Castle, a lavish state banquet, and military ceremonies.
At that same banquet, held in St George's Hall, President Trump also complimented the Prince and Princess of Wales. He notably referenced the Princess of Wales's health, describing her as "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful" following her announcement earlier in the year that she was in remission from cancer. The President also praised William directly, stating, "His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son... I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future."
The planned 2026 visits signify a concerted effort to leverage this personal rapport and the enduring appeal of the monarchy to foster goodwill and potentially smooth the path for complex diplomatic and trade discussions between the two allied nations.
