The couple Charles and Camilla went to meet Trump for America's 250th anniversary celebration.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain began their historic four-day state visit to America on April 27, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence. This marks the first US state visit by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2007, and King Charles's first visit to the country since his coronation.

Despite geopolitical tensions, including disagreements between the two countries regarding the Iranian crisis, this visit further emphasizes the "special relationship" between Britain and America.

Arriving in Washington D.C. on Monday, April 27, the royal couple was warmly welcomed by American President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the South Portico of the White House. Their Washington itinerary includes a private tea, a garden party, a 21-gun salute, and bilateral talks between King Charles and President Trump. A special state dinner is scheduled to be held at the White House on April 28, and on the same day, King Charles will deliver a special address to a joint session of the American Congress. This will be the first address by a British monarch to Congress since Queen Elizabeth II's address in 1991. Concurrently, Queen Camilla is scheduled to meet with several American organizations advocating against domestic violence and violence against women.

It is noteworthy that the royal visit proceeded as planned despite the shooting incident that occurred on April 25 during the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) at the Washington Hilton Hotel. In connection with the shooting near the security screening area, the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen of Torrance, California, who engaged in a shootout with Secret Service officers, has been arrested. At the time, security forces successfully evacuated President Trump, Melania Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance, among others, without harm, with only one officer sustaining minor injuries due to his protective vest. Following discussions with security forces after the incident, Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal visit with a few minor security adjustments.

President Trump publicly praised the visit, calling King Charles a "brave man" and expressing confidence that it would help restore relations between the two countries. Sources at Buckingham Palace also strongly emphasize the diplomatic importance of this visit for "shared prosperity, security, and history." At a time when transatlantic relations are somewhat strained, royal sources have described this visit as 'high risk, high value, and high opportunity.' As Trump and King Charles have met previously at Windsor Castle, it is expected that their personal relationship will further strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

Beyond Washington D.C., the royal couple is also scheduled to visit New York and Virginia. In New York City, they plan to lay a wreath at the September 11 Memorial with Mayor Zoran Mamdani and will participate in a community project in Harlem and several programs related to 'The King's Trust,' reflecting King Charles's personal interest in the environment, heritage, and reconciliation. In Virginia, they are expected to join cultural programs, Appalachian art performances, and a block party held at a national park to celebrate the 250th American anniversary. This visit, which recalls a past intertwined with historical events such as the 1607 Jamestown settlement and the year 1776, has become an occasion that beautifully blends diplomatic grandeur with soft power, such as cultural exchange and humanitarian projects. After concluding their American tour, the royal couple is scheduled to depart for Bermuda.