Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day state visit, where they were greeted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews.
The visit, regarded as the most significant of King Charles’ reign, comes as the United Kingdom and United States navigate political differences over the ongoing Iran conflict, despite Trump’s known admiration for the British royal family.
After landing, the royal couple travelled to the White House, where they exchanged greetings with the Trumps before sharing a private tea. The brief reception was followed by a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington, attended by senior US officials, diplomats and political figures.
The programme marks a historic moment, commemorating 250 years since the United States declared independence from Britain. It is also the first visit by a British monarch to the US in two decades.
During the reception, guests including US Senator Ted Cruz and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined the royals, while a choir performed both the British and American national anthems.
The trip includes a key speech by King Charles to the US Congress on Tuesday, along with a state dinner at the White House and further engagements in New York City on Wednesday. Security remains heightened in Washington following a recent shooting incident near a White House correspondents’ event.
A palace source said the King’s congressional address, expected to last around 20 minutes, has been written on the advice of the British government, though its tone and wording reflect Charles’ own views. He is expected to highlight the enduring partnership between the UK and US, describing it as one of the world’s most important alliances.
Despite strong personal relations between Trump and the monarchy, diplomatic tensions have emerged between Washington and London over the Iran war. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is seeking to reinforce the “special relationship” between the two nations, which has reportedly faced its lowest point since the Suez Crisis.
The Iran conflict has also influenced behind-the-scenes political discussions, with reports suggesting differences over military strategy and international support.
Following the US visit, the royal couple will travel to New York to attend a memorial ceremony marking the victims of the September 11 attacks ahead of its 25th anniversary. They will later visit Virginia, where King Charles is expected to meet environmental conservation groups, reflecting his long-standing advocacy for climate and nature protection.
The trip also comes amid ongoing scrutiny involving Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who continues to face investigations linked to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
