Amid heightened security and political unease, King Charles III and Queen Camilla commenced their four-day state visit to the United States, arriving in Washington D.C. on Monday. The visit began under a veil of anticipation and tension following recent security threats in the capital.
The royal couple was warmly received at the White House by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This marked the beginning of a significant diplomatic engagement, highlighting the enduring connection between the two nations.
Despite ongoing renovations at the White House and increased security measures due to a recent incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the meeting between the two couples proceeded smoothly. The First Lady, dressed elegantly in a buttercream double-breasted wool crepe suit paired with Manolo snake pumps, joined President Trump in greeting the King and Queen.
The welcoming ceremony was marked by President Trump extending a handshake to King Charles, while the First Lady offered a traditional cheek kiss to Queen Camilla. Though the press was eager for details, the conversation between the couples remained private and inaudible to outsiders.
Following the initial greetings, King Charles and Queen Camilla were scheduled to join the Trumps for tea in the opulent Green Room, further cementing the cordial atmosphere of the visit.
King Charles’ arrival in America comes exactly 250 years after his predecessor, King George III, witnessed the loss of the American colonies. This visit occurs at a time of significant political and diplomatic challenges for the long-standing relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The glittering pomp of the tour – designed to honor America’s 250th anniversary of independence – is unfolding under a large security blanket following Saturday’s terrifying shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
With President Trump in attendance at the event, the incident triggered an urgent 11th–hour security review of the King’s itinerary.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they arrive at the White House
Reporters stood on the White House’s South Lawn to photograph the powerful couples
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Joint Base Andrews just outside of Washington, DC
The royals were greeted by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley after landing
For those lucky enough to secure an invitation to the April 28 White House State Banquet, the dress code is expected to be black tie – a ‘subtle but telling detail’ that suggests a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the white–tie galas of the past
Trump listens as Britain’s King Charles speaks during the state banquet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of Trump and Melania’s second state visit to the UK last year
Addressing the scare, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying the king was ‘greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed.’
Behind the smiles and handshakes, however, a bitter diplomatic storm is brewing.
The King’s visit comes as a furious Trump continues to slam UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to back US military operations in Iran.
In a stinging rebuke, Trump recently dismissed the British leader as ‘not Winston Churchill’ – ironically, the very WWII icon who created the term ‘special relationship.’
The President’s upset hasn’t been limited to Downing Street; he has broadened his attacks to include other NATO allies, branding them ‘cowards’ and ‘useless’ for avoiding the Iran conflict.
Yet, Trump insists this deep political freeze will not cast a shadow over his royal guests this week.
Speaking in March, he made it clear the monarch ‘has nothing to do with that,’ deliberately distancing Charles from the NATO disputes.
Instead, the President has enthusiastically praised the King, repeatedly calling him a ‘friend’ and a ‘great guy.’
Trump shakes hands with Britain’s King Charles, as Trump departs Windsor Castle during his last visit
State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by President Trump back in 2025
The glittering pomp of the tour – designed to honor America’s 250th anniversary of independence – is unfolding under a large security blanket following Saturday’s terrifying shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner
A flashback to June 2019, inside Winfield House in London. Melania Trump pictured in a floor length scarlet Givenchy gown to host a reciprocal dinner for the British Royal Family during their first term in office
When asked by the BBC if the state visit could help mend the fractured US–UK bond, Trump was overwhelmingly positive.
‘He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely, the answer is yes,’ the President said.
Trump also frequently boasts about his own ‘amazing’ trip to the UK last September with Melania for a second state visit, complete with guardsmen, brass bands and a lavish Windsor Castle banquet.
Now playing host, the President and First Lady have arranged a packed schedule for the King.
After the greeting, the couple’s itinerary includes a private tea, a tour of the White House beehives, a one–on–one meeting between the President and the King, a sprawling garden party and a glamorous state dinner.
A major historic milestone will take place on Tuesday when Charles addresses a joint meeting of Congress.
He will be only the second British monarch to ever do so, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who addressed lawmakers in 1991.
While Charles has visited the US 19 times, this marks his first official state visit to the country since ascending the throne in 2022.
Prime Minister Starmer stood firm in defending this royal meeting as a vital diplomatic tool. He insisted that ‘the monarchy, through the bonds that it builds, is often able to reach through the decades’ to strengthen crucial international alliances.
