Britain’s monarch King Charles III is set to make a historic visit to the United States later this month, where he will address a joint session of Congress and hold a private meeting with Donald Trump.
According to Buckingham Palace, the state visit will take place from April 27 to April 30, during which King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Washington, DC, New York, and Virginia. The visit is part of commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The royal visit comes at a sensitive time for UK-US relations, often referred to as the “special relationship.” Tensions have risen in recent weeks after President Trump publicly criticized Keir Starmer and his government over their stance on the Iran conflict.
Despite political tensions, the visit aims to highlight the longstanding economic, cultural, and security ties between the two nations. As a constitutional monarch, King Charles is expected to remain politically neutral and focus on strengthening diplomatic relations.
During the visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a formal welcome ceremony and a state dinner. The King will also deliver a speech to a joint meeting of the US Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The royal couple will also meet privately with President Trump and Melania Trump. Separate engagements are planned for both leaders and their spouses.
Beyond Washington, the couple will travel to New York, where they will pay tribute to victims of the September 11 attacks and meet organizations supporting youth affected by food insecurity.
In Virginia, they are scheduled to engage with indigenous communities and environmental groups. The visit will conclude with a trip to Bermuda, a British overseas territory.
The state visit underscores the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States, even as geopolitical tensions continue to test their alliance.
