King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit, marking the first such royal trip since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2007.
The royal couple landed at Joint Base Andrews, where they were formally received before proceeding to the White House. There, they were welcomed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The visit is taking place under heightened security following a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C., at an event attended by the president.
A central moment of the visit will come on Tuesday, when King Charles addresses the U.S. Congress. According to royal sources, the monarch is expected to express sympathy over the recent attack while emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of global challenges. His speech is anticipated to underscore the enduring strength of transatlantic ties, noting that despite periodic disagreements, the United Kingdom and the United States have consistently found ways to collaborate.
The King is also expected to call for a renewed partnership grounded in shared democratic values, including tolerance, liberty, and equality. His remarks will likely highlight the importance of collective efforts in supporting alliances such as NATO and in addressing international crises, including the war in Ukraine. He is expected to describe the transatlantic relationship as one built on compassion, mutual understanding, and a commitment to peace across diverse societies.
Upon arrival in Maryland, the royal couple were greeted by U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner, along with other dignitaries. A ceremonial welcome included a performance of both national anthems and a presentation of flowers by children.
At the White House, the King and Queen were hosted for tea in the Green Room and toured the grounds, where they were shown a newly expanded beehive designed in the likeness of the presidential residence—a gesture reflecting King Charles’s well-known advocacy for environmental conservation and beekeeping.
The visit, conducted on behalf of the UK government, represents a broader effort to reinforce diplomatic relations in a year when the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence. Queen Camilla wore a brooch combining the British and American flags, a historic piece originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth II during a 1957 state visit to New York, itself aimed at mending ties after the Suez Crisis.
Later, the royal couple attended a large garden reception at the UK Embassy in Washington, D.C., with more than 600 guests from politics, science, the military, and charitable sectors. The event subtly reflected diplomatic progress, including the serving of British beef imported tariff-free under a newly negotiated agreement. Among attendees were prominent political figures such as Nancy Pelosi, Ted Cruz, and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Queen Camilla also engaged with representatives of organizations addressing domestic violence, reaffirming her long-standing advocacy on the issue. Discussions around whether the royal couple would meet survivors connected to Jeffrey Epstein did not materialize, reportedly due to concerns about ongoing legal proceedings.
The visit comes at a complex moment in U.S.-UK relations, with recent tensions including criticism from President Trump toward UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over foreign policy decisions.
The state visit will culminate in a formal White House ceremony and a state dinner, where President Trump is expected to deliver remarks at a gathering of political leaders and cultural figures from both nations, reinforcing the enduring—if sometimes tested—partnership between the two allies.
