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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Robert Jobson,Holly Evans and Bryony Gooch

King Charles US visit live: Monarch to promote ‘reconciliation’ of UK-US relations in historic Congress address

King Charles is set to give a historic address to Congress in which he will say that while the UK and the US have not always agreed on everything, they have “always found ways to come together”.

He and Queen Camilla are set to meet with US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

Charles is expected to use his speech to promote unity between the two countries at a time of marked differences between their two governments, with the Iran war causing recent transatlantic strains.

This is Charles’ first visit to the US as monarch and the first state visit of any British monarch since 2007.

The King and Queen are celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, which kicked off with a massive garden party at the British Embassy in Washington yesterday.

Tuesday’s address will be only the second of its kind in history. The first and only British monarch to address Congress was Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991 during the George H W Bush administration.

The state visit is under heightened security after Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Key Points

  • Charles to tell Congress that US-UK relationship is one of ‘reconciliation and renewal’
  • King Charles is under pressure to meet Epstein victims
  • King Charles to be second British monarch to address Congress
  • Drones, special forces and undercover agents: Inside the King’s ‘ring of security’ during his US state visit
  • Photos show King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a 4-day visit to the US

Day two of the State Visit - inside King Charles' plans with Trump

10:30 , Bryony Gooch

The president and first lady are expected to start the day with a state arrival ceremony on the south lawn of the White House at 10.35am local time (3.35pm BST) for King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The official greeting involves a traditional military arrival ceremony with both national anthems played by the US Marine Band, before the Presidential Salute Battery fires 72mm howitzer rounds for a 21-gun cannon salute. Per tradition, the couples would then inspect the military escort and conduct a review of the corps.

Afterwards, both heads of state are expected to participate in a receiving line with official delegations before the King and Queen will sign the White House guest book and exchange gifts with the president and first lady around 11.10am local time.

Shortly after at 11.40am local time, the King will participate in a bilateral meeting with Mr Trump in the Oval Office.

Charles is also expected to address both houses of Congress at some point today.

That evening, Mr and Ms Trump will greet the royals again at 7pm local time for a tour and document viewing and another receiving line before the state dinner in the East Room.

Inside the King’s ‘ring of security’ during state visit

10:15 , Bryony Gooch

Inside King Charles’ ‘ring of security’ ahead of his US state visit to meet Trump

Watch: King and Queen attend garden party in Washington DC ahead of monarch's historic Congress address

10:00 , Bryony Gooch

Child sex abuse charity boss praises Queen Camilla amid pressure to meet victims of Epstein

09:20 , Bryony Gooch

Queen Camilla spoke to charity bosses working to combat child exploitation and sexual abuse in the midst of pressure for the royals to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein.

Michelle DeLaune, chief executive of the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, praised the Queen as “wonderful” for “raising awareness” and getting “dialogue going” as they spoke at an open-air soiree in the gardens of the official residence of Sir Christian Turner, the UK’s ambassador to the US.

She added: “There are many people suffering in silence and having people, someone like her, to look up to gives a sense it’s not so isolating.”

Asked about whether the King and Queen should have met victims and survivors of Epstein, she said: “I think it has to be a choice of individuals, for King and Queen.

“I think the voices of victims and survivors are not only heard but progress made, we will continue working to ensure we are bringing voices loud and clear.”

(Reuters)

King Charles to reflect on US-UK shared history and defence ties

09:00 , Bryony Gooch

In a nod to recent tensions, which have seen Donald Trump lambast Britain, King Charles will reflect that while the UK and US have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, the foundations of their “democratic, legal and social traditions” – stretching all the way back to the Magna Carta – are such that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together”.

He is also set to point out how the US and UK have stood together through moments that have defined their shared history and that “our defence, intelligence and security ties are measured not in years but in decades”.

Against the backdrop of global uncertainty and the challenge it poses, the King is also expected to say that by defending and reaffirming these common values and ideals, both nations can promote security and prosperity both now and in the future for the benefit of the world.

And talking about his own faith, he will express his belief that in the hearts of the two countries lies “a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none”.

Charles is also set to reference the importance of the trade and technology deals that will play a vital part in the countries’ continued economic partnership, while also hailing America’s many natural wonders, and stressing how important it is to defend and protect “nature’s own economy”.

He is expected to conclude by noting that the story of both nations over the last 250 years is one of “reconciliation and renewal”, giving rise to “one of the greatest alliances in human history”, which he hoped would continue to safeguard their shared values long into the future.

The speech, which is written on the advice of the Government, is expected to last 20 minutes.

Conflict in the Gulf and the Soviet collapse: Inside Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 speech to congress

08:59 , Bryony Gooch

King Charles will give a speech to congress later on today, making him the second monarch to do so after his mother Queen Elizabeth II, gave a speech in 1991.

At the time Queen Elizabeth addressed the House on Capitol Hill, Republican president George H. W. Bush held office, while John Major was prime minister in the UK.

The UK and US navigated the Gulf War together in opposition of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. The UK had deployed more than 50,000 troops to assist the United States in the conflict.

The Cold War was also coming to an end, meaning the countries were developing new relationships with Russia and other Eastern European countries.

At the time, the late Queen had advocated that “the best progress is made when Europeans and Americans act in concert” and argued against “continental insularity”.

King Charles is expected to focus on the commonalities between the US and UK while veering away from global conflicts as US president Donald Trump has expressed disagreement with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over the UK’s supposed lack of support for the Iran War.

Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II's historic address to congress in 1991

08:45 , Bryony Gooch

(AFP via Getty Images)

Recap: King’s state visit speech to highlight how UK and US always ‘come together’

08:31 , Bryony Gooch

The King will today use a speech to Congress to say the story of the UK and US since America’s independence is “one of the greatest alliances in human history” where the two nations find ways to “come together”.

His address on the second day of his state visit to both Houses is likely to be seen as acknowledging tensions between US president Donald Trump and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who have clashed over the American leader’s war against Iran.

Charles will also reflect that defending common ideals is “crucial for liberty and equality”, as is the rule of law, which lies at the heart of both nations’ democratic traditions and shared economic prosperity.

He is also expected to make brief reference to the gun attack at a Washington DC dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and in a show of solidarity and support offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

It is only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

(Reuters)

Camilla meets with charity bosses working on child exploitation

07:53 , Holly Evans

During the open-air soiree in the gardens of the official residence of Sir Christian Turner, the UK’s ambassador to the US, Camilla chatted to charity bosses working to combat child exploitation and sexual abuse.

Charles and Camilla are not able to meet victims and survivors of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during their four-day visit due to ongoing legal cases, including the arrest of the King’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Michelle DeLaune, chief executive of the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, praised the Queen as “wonderful” for “raising awareness” and getting “dialogue going”.

She added: “There are many people suffering in silence and having people, someone like her, to look up to gives a sense it’s not so isolating.”

Asked about whether the King and Queen should have met victims and survivors of Epstein, she said: “I think it has to be a choice of individuals, for King and Queen.

“I think the voices of victims and survivors are not only heard but progress made, we will continue working to ensure we are bringing voices loud and clear.”

Camilla spoke with charity bosses during the Embassy garden party (Reuters)

Watch: Behind the scenes at the Embassy tea party

07:43 , Holly Evans

The British Embassy in Washington has given a behind the scenes glimpse of their preparations to host King Charles and Queen Camilla alongside 650 guests on Monday.

The menu included four kinds of sandwiches including pickled cucumber and smoked salmon, as well as scones and desserts.

In pictures: King Charles arrives in Washington DC

07:26 , Holly Evans

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump host King Charles III and Queen Camilla for tea (Getty)

The royal couple attend a tour of the White House beehives (Reuters)
King Charles at a tea party at the British Embassy (Reuters)

King chats about knitting with diving star Tom Daley during US state visit

07:13 , Holly Evans

The King ended the first day of his much-anticipated state visit to the United States by chatting to former Olympic diving champion Tom Daley about their shared love of knitting.

Charles met the retired star during a Washington garden party on Monday, where Camilla spoke to leading figures from domestic abuse charities and in a lighter moment confessed to feeling “jet lagged”.

The garden party came ahead of the King’s address to both houses of Congress on Tuesday.

Among the guests were treasury secretary Scott Bessent, senator Ted Cruz, former speaker Nancy Pelosi, current speaker of the souse Mike Johnson and Prince William’s school friend Guy Pelly.

King Charles III meets Tom Daley during a garden party at British Embassy in Washington DC (Samir Hussein/PA Wire)

Former Olympic diving champion and celebrity knitter Mr Daley was among the 650 guests, as was football star Esme Morgan, a European title-winning Lioness who plays for Washington Spirit.

Mr Daley, 31, who lives in LA with his husband and two children, jetted in for the day to attend the garden party.

He said: “Knitting is my outlet for all my creativity, my mindfulness and my meditation and the King has tried knitting many a time.

“He said he tried knitting when he was eight and he wasn’t very good but he said he might pick it back up – he knows it’s very good for mental health.

“But I want to try and get it back into the school curriculum and maybe he can help me do that.”

King Charles delivers a sarcastic quip as comedian tries his hand at an impression

06:39 , Shweta Sharma

King Charles III offered a glimpse of his trademark dry wit when comedian Matt Friend performed an impression of him during a garden party in Washington.

The moment unfolded as the King and Queen Camilla mingled with guests at the British Embassy on the first day of their US visit.

Standing nearby was England footballer Esme Morgan, who watched as Friend delivered his take on the monarch.

The King’s response was brief but pointed. “Keep working on it,” he said, drawing laughter from the group.

Morgan later described the encounter as surreal, noting how relaxed and engaging the King appeared as he moved through the crowd, pausing to chat and share light moments with guests.

“It’s surreal being over here in America and having them here too, and such a special occasion, sort of celebrating the relationship between the US and the UK,” Morgan said.

Details of King Charles' historic address to Congress

06:23 , Shweta Sharma

King Charles will address the US Congress later today with a message of unity between the UK and the US, promoting the "special relationship" ⁠at a time of differences between the UK government and president Donald Trump's administration over the war on Iran.

The King's address, scheduled to begin at ​3⁠pm EDT (8pm BST), will be only the second by a British sovereign to the US Congress, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II spoke to both houses in 1991.

It is a central ⁠event of the state visit – the most high-profile of Charles' reign – and will be followed by ​a ⁠state dinner on Tuesday night.

The King’s speech is ‌expected to last about 20 minutes, a palace source said, and touch on issues including Nato, the Middle East and Ukraine. While written with inputs and advice from the government, much of the language ‌and tone comes from Charles himself, the source said.

Its central ‌message will focus on challenges facing both nations, stressing that the two countries can promote international security and prosperity by defending their shared values.

Despite periodic differences, the king will say, “Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together," and will describe ⁠the partnership as “one of the greatest alliances in human history," the source said.

Trump, a vocal admirer of the British royal family who often calls Charles a "great man," has nonetheless clashed with Starmer's government.

Charles to tell Congress that US-UK relationship is one of ‘reconciliation and renewal’

06:00 , Nick Lester

While the UK and US have not always agreed on everything, the nations’ shared traditions mean that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together”, the King is set to tell Congress.

The monarch’s remarks in a speech to both chambers on Tuesday will be seen as a tacit acknowledgement of recent transatlantic strains over the Iran war, which have put Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at loggerheads.

Charles is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at a Washington dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and, in a show of solidarity and support, offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

It is only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being the late Queen Elizabeth in 1991.

Read on...

Charles to tell Congress that US-UK relationship is one of ‘reconciliation & renewal’

King Charles is under pressure to meet Epstein victims

05:42 , Shweta Sharma

Members of Congress have called on King Charles to address the scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein during his high-profile state visit to the US.

Some members of Congress have urged the monarch to meet with Epstein’s victims during his visit, though there is no indication that such an engagement is on his schedule.

The controversy has also touched the royal family more directly through Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, who was arrested earlier this year over misconduct allegations he has denied.

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna publicly called on the King to at least acknowledge the issue during his expected address to Congress, reflecting the pressure building around the visit.

Archbishop praying for ‘wonderful’ King and Queen during US visit

05:30 , Aine Fox

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said she is praying for the King and Queen as they embarked on a four-day state visit to the US, describing them as “wonderful people”.

The royal trip comes amid security concerns in the wake of the weekend shooting at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump and strained transatlantic ties over the Iran war.

Dame Sarah Mullally made her remarks following a historic meeting with the Pope at the Vatican.

Asked if she sympathised with the King on having to walk a difficult diplomatic tightrope on the US visit, the most senior Anglican cleric said: “I always hold His Majesty the King in my prayers and also the Queen in my prayers.

“And I pray for them for this trip, as always, and they are wonderful people who offer hospitality and greetings to so many people”.

Read on...

Archbishop praying for ‘wonderful’ King and Queen as they embark on US visit

Scones and roasted British beef: What was served at the garden party

05:17 , Shweta Sharma

Guests at the British ambassador’s residence were given a distinctly British welcome this afternoon, as a garden party marked the state visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla with a menu steeped in tradition.

The spread leaned into classic flavours, with delicate finger sandwiches taking centre stage, from Scottish smoked salmon with lemon and black pepper to roasted British beef paired with horseradish.

There were also lighter options such as cucumber and dill, alongside combinations like West Country cheddar with fig.

Britain's King Charles III attends a garden party at the British Embassy on day one of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's State Visit to the United States of America (Getty)

Savoury bites extended beyond sandwiches, with offerings including aged cheddar and chive quiche and neatly prepared tomato, basil, cucumber and olive tarts.

The sweet table showcased a range of quintessential British desserts.

Guests could choose from scones served with strawberries and Devonshire clotted cream, slices of Bakewell tart, ginger cake and the ever-reliable Victoria sponge.

A table is set for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to host Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla for tea (AFP/Getty)

Traditional fruit cake sat alongside more contemporary flavours like raspberry, white chocolate and lemon cake, rounding out the selection.

To accompany the food, guests were served tea from Fortnum & Mason, reinforcing the afternoon’s British tone, while Hambledon sparkling wine offered a celebratory touch.

King Charles to be second British monarch to address Congress

05:00 , Maira Butt

King Charles will address the US Congress Tuesday, becoming the second British monarch in history to do so.

Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was the first British monarch to address US lawmakers on Capitol Hill in 1991 during the George H. W. Bush administration.

Drones, special forces and undercover agents: Inside the King’s ‘ring of security’ during his US state visit

04:30 , Maira Butt

King Charles’ security has been reviewed ahead of a trip to the White House on Monday after another assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner over the weekend.

The state visit is expected to last three days between 27 and 30 April and will include a meeting with the US president.

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos on Saturday night after the attempted attack, which saw shots fired, prompting Trump to be swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents along with other senior members of his administration.

Inside King Charles’ ‘ring of security’ ahead of his US state visit to meet Trump

Photos show King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a 4-day visit to the US

04:20 , Shweta Sharma

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's four-day state visit is aimed at restoring UK-US ties and celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary.

This is Charles' first trip to the US since he became king in 2022. The royal couple visited the White House on Monday afternoon, followed by a garden party at the British Embassy.

(Getty Images)
(Sky News)
King Charles and Queen Camilla join US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House for afternoon tea (Getty)
(Reuters)

Visit by King 'can help enormously', senior British diplomat says

04:10 , Shweta Sharma

King Charles’ role in US–UK ties goes far beyond the political fray, James Roscoe, a deputy British ambassador to the US said, as the monarch undertakes a high-profile visit to the US

Speaking to CNN, he suggested that the King’s presence could help steady a relationship that has shown signs of strain in recent months.

“He can help enormously,” Roscoe said in an interview with Jake Tapper. “He is a constitutional figure, but crucially, he is above politics. In many ways, he transcends it.”

He said that despite a “rocky” beginning between the US and UK, “we’ve developed into the most important relationship over these last 250 years”.

“I think what the King can do is he can draw out those things that really pull us together,” Roscoe said.

He referred to King Charles' visit to Arlington to further the US-UK’s defence relationship, visiting the 9/11 memorial to commemorate both American and British victims, and “he’ll celebrate the economic ties.”

The visit is being viewed as more than symbolic. At a time when diplomatic tensions and policy differences have occasionally surfaced between London and Washington, King Charles’ soft power – rooted in continuity, tradition and personal diplomacy – could serve as a stabilising force.

Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla visiting the White House

04:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Recap: King Charles III arrives at the White House

03:59 , Shweta Sharma

King Charles III arrived at the White House on Monday with trans-Atlantic ties under strain and security in the spotlight.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla as they arrived, posing for photos and exchanging small talk before they went inside for tea in the Green Room.

Afterward, the couples went down to the south grounds to see a new beehive in the shape of the White House that the first lady had installed last week.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla join Sir Christian Turner, British ambassador to the US, and his wife Claire Turner at a garden party at British Embassy in Washington DC (PA)

Charles and Camilla both support beekeeping.

He keeps at least three beehives at his private residence in England as part of his support for the environment and sustainability.

After the White House visit, the royal couple attended a garden party at the British Embassy.

Where are King Charles and Queen Camilla headed after Washington?

03:30 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend the next two days in Washington, D.C., before heading to New York City.

While in New York City on Wednesday, Charles and Camilla will visit the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center and meet with families of victims and first responders affected by the terrorist attacks.

The King and Queen will then visit Virginia Thursday to attend several community events.

King Charles and Queen Camilla visit US under heightened security

03:00 , Robert Jobson

King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting the US under heightened security.

Saturday’s alleged assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner forced small adjustments.

Follow The Independent’s live coverage of the shooting:

Unsealed court documents reveal gunman’s targets in Correspondents’ Dinner attack

British Embassy welcomes King Charles and Queen Camilla

02:40 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles visits US for 20th time

02:20 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla landed in the US Monday for a four-day state visit.

This is Charles’ 20th visit to the US and his first state visit as king. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made four state visits to the country during her reign.

Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla visit White House beehive with Donald Trump and Melania

02:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Inside the secret plots being designed to make the King’s US visit the most awkward in royal history

01:40 , Maira Butt

As tensions between Trump and Starmer grow, it will be up to the King to smooth over the cracks during his historic trip to Washington this week. But in this fraught atmosphere there is a plan afoot to cause maximum embarrassment to both sides, writes Alex Hannaford:

Inside the secret plots being designed to cause the King embarassment during US visit

State dinner guests to take home honey from White House beehive

01:20 , Rachel Dobkin

Guests attending the state dinner Tuesday evening, Washington time, will take home honey from the White House beehive, according to a Trump official.

Margo Martin, communications advisor to US President Donald Trump, shared a video of King Charles and Queen Camilla visiting the White House’s beehive Monday.

“Guests of the State Dinner tomorrow evening will go home with honey from the White House beehive!” Martin wrote on X.

Tea and diplomacy as the Trumps welcome Charles and Camilla to White House

01:00 , Rachel Dobkin

The King and President Donald Trump will renew Anglo-American relations that have been fractious in recent months – over a cup of tea.

Charles and Camilla began their four-day state visit to the United States by sitting down with their American hosts Trump and first lady Melania Trump in the White House.

The two couples greeted each other outside by the historic building’s South Portico overlooking the lawns where past presidents have hosted Queen Elizabeth II.

The start of the historic trip – Charles’ first to America as King – has been overshadowed by a shooting Saturday night at a Washington media dinner where Trump was surrounded by Secret Service agents and bundled from the room.

The King privately contacted the president and his wife to express his and the Queen’s sympathies with all those affected on the night, and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.

Read more from Tony Jones...

Tea and diplomacy as the Trumps welcome Charles and Camilla to White House

British ambassador says it's 'tremendous honour' to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla

Tuesday 28 April 2026 00:40 , Rachel Dobkin

Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla visit White House beehive with Donald Trump and Melania

Tuesday 28 April 2026 00:20 , Rachel Dobkin

A look into the early moments of King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit

Tuesday 28 April 2026 00:00 , Robert Jobson

At 4:17 p.m., a black BMW drew up at the White House, sixth in a 29-vehicle convoy. Melania Trump kissed Camilla. The Queen had changed — white chiffon by Anna Valentine, beaded in black.

The First Lady wore a buttercream Adam Lippes suit, Manolo Blahnik snake pumps. The King kissed Melania. Warm handshakes for the President. Then tea in the Green Room, and the new South Lawn beehive.

This is the first state visit to America by a reigning British monarch since Elizabeth II in May 2007. It lands on the 250th anniversary of American independence. A piece of timing nobody in either palace failed to notice.

A state dinner will be held Tuesday, after the King’s address to a joint meeting of Congress — only the second British monarch to do so, after his mother in 1991. New York follows: a 9/11 commemoration before the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Then Charles and Camilla will head to rural Virginia, where the King will discuss conservation with an Indigenous community.

British foreign secretary talks about 'strong' US-UK relationship

Monday 27 April 2026 23:45 , Rachel Dobkin

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is also currently in Washington, D.C., has talked about the “special” US-UK relationship that has apparently become strained during the Iran war.

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper Monday evening Eastern Time, Cooper was asked about President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the UK over its refusal to directly get involved in the Iran war, amid other issues.

“When you've got a strong relationship, the depth, richness of the one that we have going back so many years, of course, there are always going to be things that we disagree about and things that we agree about”, the foreign secretary said. “There will be things where we take different views, but also things where we work immensely closely together”.

What's on the garden party menu?

Monday 27 April 2026 23:29 , Rachel Dobkin

Several British delicacies are on the menu for a garden party at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., Monday.

The afternoon tea service will include several sandwiches:

  • Scottish smoked salmon, lemon and black pepper sandwiches
  • Roasted British beef and horseradish sandwiches
  • West Country cheddar and fig sandwiches
  • Cucumber and dill sandwiches

Aged cheddar and chive quiche and tomato, basil, cucumber and olive tarts will also be served.

There will also be several sweet treats for the party to celebrate King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit:

  • Scones with strawberries and Devonshire clotted cream
  • Bakewell tart
  • Ginger cake
  • Victoria sponge
  • Traditional fruit cake
  • Raspberry, white chocolate and lemon cake

In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla greet guests at garden party

Monday 27 April 2026 23:23 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles greets guests at a garden party at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., Monday (Getty)
King Charles speaks with White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner, at the garden party (Getty)
Queen Camilla greets Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, at the garden party (Getty)

British Embassy shares video about garden party preparations

Monday 27 April 2026 23:10 , Rachel Dobkin

The British Embassy in Washington, D.C., has given an inside look at the preparations for its garden party.

The embassy is hosting more than 600 guests, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at garden party

Monday 27 April 2026 22:49 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at a garden party at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla shown new White House beehive

Monday 27 April 2026 22:32 , Rachel Dobkin

The Trumps show King Charles and Camilla, supporters of beekeeping, the White House beehive on the South Lawn during the first day of their state visit (AFP/Getty)
The new hive is shaped like a miniature White House (PA)

In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla have tea with the Trumps

Monday 27 April 2026 22:10 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla join US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House for afternoon tea (Getty)
Charles and Camilla landed in the US earlier Monday for their four-day state visit (AFP/Getty)

Watch: Donald Trump and Melania welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House

Monday 27 April 2026 22:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Donald Trump and Melania welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House

In pictures: The Trumps greet King Charles and Queen Camilla

Monday 27 April 2026 21:30 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump Monday afternoon Eastern Time (AFP/Getty)
Charles and Camilla landed in the US for the start of their four-day state visit earlier Monday (Getty Images)
The historic visit celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence (Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted by Trump and Melania

Monday 27 April 2026 21:23 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been greeted by US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

Charles and Camilla met the Trumps at the White House. Charles shook Trump’s hand, and Camilla embraced Melania.

LIVE: Donald Trump and Melania welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to White House

Monday 27 April 2026 21:20 , Rachel Dobkin

US State Department shares welcome video for King Charles and Queen Camilla

Monday 27 April 2026 21:10 , Rachel Dobkin

In pictures: White House to show off beehive to King Charles and Queen Camilla

Monday 27 April 2026 20:50 , Rachel Dobkin

First Lady Melania Trump unveiled a new beehive in the vegetable garden on the White House South Lawn last Friday in Washington, D.C. (Getty)
King Charles and Queen Camilla will be shown the new beehive, shaped as a miniature White House, during their visit Monday (Office of the First Lady)

Watch: Queen Camilla gives special nod to UK-US relationship as monarch arrive in America

Monday 27 April 2026 20:30 , Rachel Dobkin

Queen Camilla gives special nod to UK-US relationship as monarch arrive in America

King Charles and Queen disembark

Monday 27 April 2026 19:56 , Maira Butt

King Charles and Queen Camilla have disembarked their plane on arrival for a historic state visit to the US.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla disembark the plane on arrival for a state visit to the United States at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., April 27, 2026. (Reuters)
(Getty)
Britain's King Charles III (C-L) and Britain's Queen Camilla (hidden) are greeted as they step off their plane upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on April 27, 2026. (AFP/Getty)

In pictures: King Charles and Camilla land in US

Monday 27 April 2026 19:45 , Maira Butt

An honor guard stands by as Britain's King Charles and Britain's Queen Camilla's plane approaches after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., April 27, 2026. Henry Nicholls/Pool via REUTERS (Reuters)
Greeters stand on the tarmac after Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla's plane landed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on April 27, 2026. (AFP/Getty)
An honor guard approaches after Britain's King Charles and Britain's Queen Camilla landed at Joint Base Andrews, U.S., Maryland, on April 27, 2026. Henry Nicholls/Pool via REUTERS (Reuters)

Breaking: King Charles lands in US

Monday 27 April 2026 19:36 , Maira Butt

King Charles has landed in the US for the start of his four-day state visit amid a tense security atmosphere after Donald Trump was targeted by a gunman.

Charles, joined by the Queen, touched down at the Joint Base Andrews air base in Maryland, a short distance from Washington, in the last few moments.

The royals are expected to head to the White House, where they will be welcomed by Donald and Melania Trump.

The plane carrying Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla approaches Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., April 27, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee (Reuters)

Analysis: Why the King’s visit to meet Trump is crucial for Starmer

Monday 27 April 2026 19:30 , Bryony Gooch

Why the King’s visit to meet Trump is crucial for Starmer

Watch: Trump says King Charles will be 'very safe' on his US state visit

Monday 27 April 2026 19:00 , Maira Butt

When will King Charles meet Trump? Full schedule for US state visit

Monday 27 April 2026 18:35 , Maira Butt

King Charles III and Camilla are visiting President Donald Trump from Monday as part of a historic state visit to the United States, which many hope will repair a weakening “special relationship”.

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday that the state visit was set to go ahead as planned following a shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner. Gunshots were fired inside the Washington Hilton shortly after 8.30pm on Saturday night at the black tie gala, with Mr Trump and other cabinet officials being rushed to safety while guests took cover.

Here is what we know about the scheduled plans for the King and Queen in the United States.

Charles and Camilla are scheduled to be greeted by Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump at around 4.15pm local time (9pm BST) at the White House’s south portico. The heads of state will join together for a private afternoon tea in the Green Room on the state floor.

Read the full itinerary here.

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