King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in the United States on Tuesday, AEST, embarking on a four-day visit that highlights the enduring ties between the two nations. Their arrival was warmly received by former President Donald Trump, a vocal admirer of the British monarchy, despite recent diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and the UK over Middle Eastern policy.

This state visit, which is the most significant of Charles’ reign, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence from British governance. Remarkably, it marks the first visit by a reigning British monarch to the U.S. in 20 years.

Upon their arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by a gathering of diplomatic, state, and federal representatives, alongside senior officials from the British embassy. The royal couple was also presented with flowers by children from British military families residing in the U.S.

Following their arrival, the royals traveled to the White House, where they were met by Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. In a display of cordiality, the Trumps and the British royals exchanged greetings, with the first lady and Queen Camilla sharing a light-hearted cheek kiss, and President Trump offering a handshake to King Charles. The group posed briefly for photographs before heading inside for a private tea session.

The itinerary for the royal visit includes an address to the U.S. Congress, a grand state dinner at the White House, and a visit to New York City. The events in Washington occur amidst heightened security concerns following a recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Despite Donald Trump’s enthusiastic support for the British royal family and his frequent praise of King Charles as a “great man,” he has had his share of disagreements with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration.

Starmer is hoping the visit will shore up the future of the two allies’ “special relationship”, which is at its lowest point since the Suez Crisis in 1956.

The long-planned visit has become enmeshed in a political spat between the two countries over the US-Israeli war on Iran, which led Trump to voice deep displeasure with the British government for failing to support the offensive.

September 11 remembrance

The 77-year-old king, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, will become the second British monarch to address the US Congress on Wednesday.

The royals will then head to New York City, where they will commemorate those killed in the September 11 attacks in 2001 ahead of the 25th anniversary, while the queen will also mark the centenary of children’s stories featuring Winnie the Pooh.

The trip concludes in Virginia with the king meeting those involved in conservation work, a nod to his half-century of environmental campaigning.

Britain’s ambassador to the US, Christian Turner, said the visit would underscore the shared history, sacrifice and common values between the two countries, adding that the approach would be a very British one: “Keep calm, carry on.”

While Trump has in recent days eased his criticism of Britain over its response to the Iran war, an internal Pentagon email set out how the US could review its position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands as punishment for its lack of support, further straining ties.

One issue Charles will try to avoid during his visit is the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Royal sources have said it was not possible for the royal couple to meet any victims of Epstein during the tour, as some have requested, to avoid impacting any potential criminal cases.

Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose reputation and royal standing have been destroyed by his links to the late US sex offender, is facing police inquiries over his connections. The former prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.

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