Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla’s four-day visit to the United States will continue as originally scheduled, despite a recent security incident involving Donald Trump.
“After thorough discussions across the Atlantic throughout the day and following government advice, we can confirm that the state visit by Their Majesties will proceed as intended,” stated a spokesperson from the palace.
“The King and Queen express their gratitude to everyone who has worked diligently to ensure the visit goes forward, and they eagerly anticipate the commencement of their journey tomorrow,” the spokesperson added.
US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche assured that he is “very confident” in the safety of the royal couple during their stay, highlighting the effectiveness of American security protocols.
British cabinet minister Darren Jones echoed this sentiment on Sky News UK, stating that “appropriate security” measures are in place to address any potential risks.
The Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command is responsible for the security of the royal family and senior UK officials.
According to the Metropolitan Police’s website, the RaSP is part of a wider unit that “integrates intelligence and operational tactics to mitigate risks that exceed standard frontline policing”.
The RaSP provides protection at the royal residences in London, Windsor and Scotland and close protection to the King.
Under existing protocol for royal overseas visits, UK close protection officers would liaise with local law enforcement.
In the case of the US, that would be the country’s Secret Service, charged with protecting the president.
Even before the shooting at the White House Foreign Correspondents’ dinner in Washington DC on Saturday, the king’s visit was shaping as the most important overseas trip of his reign.
Differences between the Trump administration and the UK government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the Iran war have seen relations between the close allies slump to their lowest for decades.
The monarch will hold a private meeting with the president and also deliver an address to Congress.
It offers the chance to deliver the message that long-term friendship is more important than transient disputes.
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