Washington, United States. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day visit that includes an address to Congress and a White House state dinner. The trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has differed with the British government over the Iran war.
Arrival and White House welcome
After landing at Joint Base Andrews, Charles and Camilla attended a brief arrival ceremony before proceeding to the White House. They were greeted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump, who exchanged kisses on the cheek with the king and queen while the president shook their hands, before the group posed for photographs and went inside for a private tea.
Events at the British ambassador’s residence
The king and queen later attended a garden party at the British ambassador’s recently renovated residence, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems. They mingled with guests including media leaders, Washington socialites, and officials such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and ambassadors from other countries.
Schedule and security backdrop
The visit marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from British rule and is the first trip to the country by a British monarch in two decades. The schedule includes a Tuesday address to Congress, a White House state dinner, and a Wednesday stop in New York City, with Washington still on edge following the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shooting on Saturday.
Planned remarks to Congress
A palace source said the king’s speech to Congress will last about 20 minutes and, while written on the advice of the British government, much of its language and tone come from Charles himself. He is expected to say that while the UK and U.S. have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together,” and that defending shared democratic values can promote security and prosperity for the world. He will describe the partnership as “one of the greatest alliances in human history.”
Political context
Trump has described Charles as a “great man” and has said he is a fan of the British royal family, but he has had differences with the British government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
What part of the king and queen’s U.S. visit will you be watching most closely?
