King Charles III and Queen Camilla have commenced their four-day state visit to the United States, arriving on April 27, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, D.C. This trip marks an important milestone, being the King’s inaugural official visit since ascending to the throne and coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence from British rule.
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Upon their arrival in the capital, the royal couple was welcomed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House. They met on the historic South Portico where a brief photo opportunity took place before engaging in a private tea. The couple also explored the First Lady’s beekeeping initiative, which recently expanded to include a beehive designed in the shape of the White House itself.
Following their initial engagements, Charles and Camilla attended a large garden party hosted at the British Embassy. The event drew significant attention, with guests from both the U.K. and the U.S., including Olympic athlete Tom Daley, members of the Trump administration, political figures like Nancy Pelosi, and members of the press such as CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.
On the following day, the pair returned to the White House for a series of separate engagements. King Charles participated in a politically focused meeting with President Trump, while Queen Camilla joined Melania Trump for an independent engagement. A notable highlight of the day included King Charles addressing a joint session of the United States Congress, becoming only the second British monarch ever to do so. This appearance places him alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered a similar address in 1991.
The day concluded with a state dinner at the White House, honouring the visit of the royal couple. This lavish event was intended to celebrate the longstanding ties that exist between the two nations, showcasing their shared history and future.
On April 29, the royal couple shifted their focus to New York City. Their schedule included a poignant visit to the 9/11 memorial located at One World Trade Center, a site that holds great significance in recent American history. In the afternoon, they split up for individual engagements; King Charles visited a community engagement centre while Queen Camilla made her way to The New York Public Library. During her visit, she presented a newly crafted “Roo” toy to the library’s existing collection of Winnie the Pooh characters, celebrating the centennial of these beloved literary figures. The original toys have been on public display since 1987 and this addition marks a return of Roo, who was lost many decades ago.
The final day of their visit saw the royal couple travel to Virginia, where they interacted with local residents and community organisations. The engagements included observing traditional Appalachian performances and participating in a community “block party” held within a national park, dedicated to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
In light of recent events, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the visit would proceed despite an incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a shooting occurred, injuring at least one Secret Service agent. Following discussions between both British and American officials, a spokesperson expressed appreciation for the efforts to allow the visit to continue as planned. King Charles and Queen Camilla also reportedly reached out to their hosts to express their concern following the shooting and reaffirm their eagerness for the trip.
Overall, the royal visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the United Kingdom and the United States, a relationship built on shared prosperity, security, and history. As the couple embarks on this significant tour, their encounters are expected to further promote diplomatic ties and cultural exchange between the nations.