King Charles III and Queen Camilla have commenced their highly anticipated state visit to the United States, which began on 27 April 2026. The royal couple arrived at Joint Base Andrews, situated near Washington, D.C., where they were warmly received by U.S. Chief of Protocol, Monica Crowley, along with Sir Christian Turner, the British Ambassador to the United States.
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This visit marks a significant moment as it is the first official state visit of President Donald Trump’s administration. The ambassador expressed great enthusiasm from American officials, emphasising the value of the trip in recognising the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States. He highlighted that the relationship transcends current governmental ties, celebrating historical, cultural, and economic connections between the two nations.
As part of their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla were set to make their way to the White House. There, they were to be welcomed with a private tea session by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This formal gathering took place amidst celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence from British rule, which included a garden party and a ceremonial military review designed to honour this pivotal moment in history.
A notable feature of the royal itinerary is King Charles’s address to a joint session of Congress, an honour previously bestowed only upon his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, during her speech in 1991. This occasion will be a significant highlight of the visit as the King engages with lawmakers and reflects on the enduring ties between the two countries.
Following their engagements in Washington, the royal couple will journey to New York City, where they will partake in various events intended to highlight contemporary relations between the U.S. and the U.K. One prominent event is a visit to the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, paying homage to the victims of the tragic terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. During this visit, the King and Queen will have the opportunity to meet with first responders and affected families, acknowledging the shared grief and resilience in the aftermath of the events.
In a diversification of their schedule, the royal couple will then split for separate engagements. King Charles will visit a community organisation focused on mentoring young individuals impacted by food insecurity, showcasing a grassroots effort aimed at urban farming and sustainability. Conversely, Queen Camilla will attend an event that celebrates the literary connection between the two nations while also promoting her charity, The Queen’s Reading Room. This gathering will feature distinguished authors and readers, with a special tribute to A.A. Milne’s beloved character, Winnie the Pooh, as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the iconic children’s stories.
Concluding their New York visit, the King and Queen will attend a reception highlighting the work of The King’s Trust in empowering young people across the United States while also promoting the cultural links that bind the two countries.
Following their engagements in metropolitan settings, the royal couple’s itinerary includes a trip to Virginia, where they will interact with local residents and community organisations. They have also planned to experience Appalachian culture through various performances and participate in a community “block party” in a national park to honour the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Additionally, King Charles will continue his visit by travelling to Bermuda, where he will be welcomed with a Guard of Honour. During his stay on the British Overseas Territory, the King will engage with local residents to learn about their natural environments and biodiversity initiatives. His visit will also encompass meetings with Commonwealth Games athletes ahead of the forthcoming 2026 Games and the inauguration of the new Great Bay Coast Guard Station.
Furthermore, discussions with representatives from the U.K. Space Agency regarding plans for establishing a new telescope site will also feature in his Bermuda itinerary. This initiative is part of a broader international effort to enhance space sustainability through meticulous tracking of space debris.
This state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla is poised to strengthen the bonds between the United Kingdom and the United States while fostering mutual respect and understanding through a range of events across the country.