King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the United States for a highly anticipated four-day state visit — the first by a British monarch in over two decades, and by far the most consequential trip of Charles’ reign since his accession to the throne.
A Warm Welcome at the White House
The royal couple landed at Joint Base Andrews on Monday afternoon, where a brief arrival ceremony was held before they made their way to the White House. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted the King and Queen warmly, exchanging kisses on the cheek and posing for photographers before retiring inside for a private tea.
Later in the day, Charles and Camilla appeared at a garden party held at the recently renovated British ambassador’s residence, where a choir performed both national anthems. Guests included senior US officials, media leaders, and ambassadors from around the world.
A Packed Schedule
The four-day visit includes some of the most significant engagements of Charles’ public life:
- Address to Congress — The King will deliver an approximately 20-minute speech, written largely in his own words. He is expected to acknowledge the differences between the two nations over the past 250 years while stressing that they have always found a way to unite around shared democratic values. He will describe the US-UK partnership as “one of the greatest alliances in human history.”
- State Dinner at the White House — A lavish formal dinner will be held in honour of the royal couple.
- New York City — The royals will visit the 9/11 memorial, paying tribute to victims ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
- Virginia — The visit concludes with Charles meeting those involved in conservation projects, reflecting his decades-long commitment to environmental causes.
A Visit With High Political Stakes
The trip comes at a delicate moment in the US-UK “special relationship,” which observers say is at its lowest point since the Suez Crisis of 1956. Tensions have risen over Britain’s response to the US-Israeli military action against Iran, with Trump publicly expressing frustration with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
Despite this, Trump has long been a vocal admirer of the British royal family, regularly describing Charles as a “great man.” Prime Minister Starmer is hoping the state visit will help restore goodwill and reinforce the bond between the two allies.
Britain’s ambassador to the US, Christian Turner, summed up the approach simply: “Keep calm, carry on.”
Looking Ahead
All eyes will be on King Charles as he takes to the floor of Congress — a rare and historic moment. His message of unity and shared values is expected to resonate widely, even as political tensions simmer in the background.
Follow our page for full coverage of the royal visit throughout the week.
Photos credits: Reuters