King Charles III's US state visit spans Congress address and New York memorial
King Charles III arrives for state visit featuring White House stay, Congressional address, and 9/11 Memorial visit.
Event / Geopolitics
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit to the United States, including congressional address, state dinner, and related diplomatic and business matters.
2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Apr, 00:37 UTC
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King Charles III delivered an address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. He became the second British monarch to address Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The address was part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republican policies on Monday for straining the U.S.-U.K. relationship, expressing hope that King Charles III's visit would help repair damage done to one of America's most important allies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson became the first sitting leader of the House to address the United Kingdom Parliament earlier in the year. Johnson attended a garden party with King Charles III in Washington and expressed that the king would be 'well received' in Congress.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump hosted the royal couple for a private tea and planned a state banquet on Tuesday evening.
Trump's relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has deteriorated over recent months as the president sought to rally international support for military action in Iran. Trump criticized Starmer for resisting his overtures, comparing him unfavorably to Winston Churchill. Britain has largely refused to join the Iran conflict.
In his congressional address, King Charles III reaffirmed the special relationship between Britain and America, grounded in shared values, history, and kinship spanning over four centuries. He stated that the UK-US alliance is indispensable and must be built upon, noting that the challenges faced are too great for any one nation to bear alone.
King Charles III expressed sympathy for the American people over a shooting that occurred at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on Saturday, which was the third assassination attempt against President Donald Trump since 2024. The king addressed the incident as part of his broader remarks on maintaining democracy and protecting citizens.
President Trump threatened to impose a 'big tariff' on the United Kingdom if it does not scrap its digital services tax on U.S. technology companies. Trump has already imposed tariffs on the U.K. and warned of additional levies.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington D.C. on Monday to begin a four-day visit to the United States. The visit is intended to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary of independence from Britain. The royal couple plans to continue their trip later in the week with stops in New York City and Virginia.
King Charles III, age 77, made the decision to continue with his planned four-day state visit to the United States despite the security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The King, who survived an assassination attempt 30 years prior, wrote to President Trump following the shooting. Royal protection officials gave approval for the visit to proceed with only small adjustments to the program.
Following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the state visit would proceed as planned with increased security measures. The Palace stated that security discussions occurred on both sides of the Atlantic and that enhanced protective protocols were implemented. Elite snipers and CIA drones were deployed around the White House during the visit.
An armed suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen attempted to breach a Secret Service security perimeter outside the ballroom hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25, 2026, at approximately 8:36 p.m. at the Washington Hilton. The gunman exchanged gunfire with law enforcement while advancing toward the venue where journalists, politicians, and celebrities were gathered.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Monday, April 27, 2026, for an official state visit to the United States. The visit marks 250 years of American independence and includes stops in Washington D.C., New York, and Virginia. The visit includes a tea in the Oval Office with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, followed by a state dinner and King Charles's address to Congress.
Royal historians and experts characterized King Charles's visit as an opportunity for the King to serve as a statesman and mediator between the United States and the United Kingdom. The visit comes at a time when tensions exist between the Trump administration and the UK government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer over policies related to the Middle East conflict. King Charles is expected to exercise soft power as a diplomat while avoiding explicit political statements.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, New York City on Wednesday during their state visit. They will also meet with first responders and attend a King's Trust Reception in New York.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla landed at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland on Monday for an official state visit to the United States. They were greeted by U.S. military bands playing both national anthems, dignitaries from both countries, and children of British military personnel who distributed pansy flowers. This marks King Charles' first trip to the United States as sovereign.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit comes amid tensions between President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the war in Iran. Trump indicated in an interview with the BBC that the King's visit could help improve that relationship. The visit has been planned for months and is expected to emphasize common goals and bonds between the two nations.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will stay at the White House itself during their state visit, rather than at Blair House, the official residence typically used for visitors of their status. President Trump made this decision regarding their accommodation.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host a state dinner at the White House for King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The dinner is one of the key events of the four-day state visit.
Security has been increased for King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit, with additional fencing and jersey barriers placed on Pennsylvania Avenue overnight beyond existing White House security. The palace discussed security concerns following an attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday but confirmed the visit would proceed as planned. President Trump stated the White House is a secure location.
King Charles III arrives for state visit featuring White House stay, Congressional address, and 9/11 Memorial visit.