What to know about King Charles's state visit to US

April 26, 2026

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are conducting the first British state visit to the United States since Queen Elizabeth II's 2007 trip, with stops in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia from April 27-30. The visit aims to strengthen US-UK relations as America approaches its 250th independence anniversary, featuring traditional diplomatic ceremonies including a White House state dinner, a congressional address by the King, and cultural events in multiple cities. Security concerns emerged following a suspected gunman incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, but Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit would proceed with appropriate precautions.

Who is affected

King Charles III and Queen Camilla
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
UK and US government officials, cabinet members, and members of Congress
Military families and students from the British International School of Washington
American students participating in educational events
First responders and families of 9/11 victims
Business leaders and creative industry figures in New York
Indigenous Americans in Virginia
Communities in Bermuda
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein (indirectly, as they called for meetings)
Representatives of domestic abuse and violence against women advocacy groups

What action is being taken

The royal couple is visiting Washington DC, New York, and Virginia between April 27-30
Security discussions are taking place following the recent White House incident
The King and Queen are attending multiple scheduled events including tea, garden parties, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings
The Queen is meeting representatives of groups campaigning against domestic abuse and violence against women at events during the visit
Trump and the King are holding a bilateral meeting
After the US visit, the King is traveling to Bermuda

Why it matters

This visit marks the first British state visit to the US in 17 years and comes at a symbolically significant time as America approaches its 250th independence anniversary. The trip serves to reinforce the "special relationship" between the two nations through high-level diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange. President Trump explicitly stated the visit could help repair US-UK relations, calling the King "fantastic" and suggesting the visit would be positive for bilateral ties. The state visit carries ceremonial weight as only the second time a British monarch has addressed the US Congress, demonstrating the enduring historical and political connections between the former colony and its mother country.

What's next

Following the US visit, the King will pay a visit to Bermuda, where he is head of state
This will be his first royal visit as monarch to a British overseas territory
After Bermuda, the King and Queen will return to the UK

Read full article from source: BBC