King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently on a momentous state visit to the United States, which commenced on Monday, 27 April 2026. Their inaugural day in Washington, D.C., was marked by a warm welcome at the White House where they were received by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
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The royals engaged in a private tea followed by a tour of the First Lady’s beekeeping initiative, which has garnered attention for featuring a new beehive shaped like the White House. This charming interaction set a positive tone for the royal couple’s diplomatic mission.
Subsequently, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a garden party hosted at the British Embassy, a highlight of their day. The gathering saw an influential assembly of guests from both the United Kingdom and the United States, comprising politicians, athletes, and media personalities. Among the notable attendees was British Olympian Tom Daley, alongside Sir Christian Turner, the British ambassador to the U.S., who was appointed by Trump in February.
The guest list also included members of the Trump administration, such as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Prominent figures from the Democratic Party, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were equally represented, underscoring the bipartisan nature of the event.
A significant aspect of the garden party was its charitable undertones, which align closely with Queen Camilla’s focus on social issues. She was seen conversing with Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, highlighting her commitment to supporting vulnerable women and children through various charitable initiatives.
The tradition of garden parties holds a cherished place within royal customs, previously enjoyed at Buckingham Palace and other royal venues during the spring and summer months. Interestingly, it has been decades since such an event was held on American soil. The last instance dates back to 1939 when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) organised a garden party at the Washington Embassy.
The visit is poised to continue on Tuesday, 28 April, as King Charles follows in his mother’s footsteps, becoming only the second British monarch to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress. The late Queen Elizabeth had the honour of addressing the Capitol during her fourth state visit to the U.S. in 1991. Following this landmark address, the royals are scheduled to attend a state dinner at the White House.
Later in the week, the royal couple will make their way to New York City, where they are set to engage in a series of events, including a significant visit to the 9/11 memorial at One World Trade Center. Their itinerary further includes a trip south to Virginia, where they will meet local residents, interact with community organisations, and enjoy performances from Appalachian cultural groups. Additionally, they will participate in a block party celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Despite concerns arising from a recent shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the royal visit will proceed as planned. A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace confirmed that discussions were held across the Atlantic concerning the situation, and following government advice, the visit would continue uninterrupted. The King and Queen expressed gratitude to those who ensured the safety and security of their trip.
Following the shooting, both King Charles and Queen Camilla reportedly reached out privately to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, highlighting their concern and support. Trump later confirmed their conversations, stating that they were eagerly looking forward to their stay in the U.S.
As the visit unfolds, the royal couple aims to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the United States, showcasing a commitment to collaboration on various issues while embracing the warmth of American hospitality. Their engagements serve not only as royal duties, but also as a testament to the enduring relationship between the two nations.