Britain’s King Charles III will address a joint meeting of the United States Congress and meet privately with President Donald Trump during a state visit later this month, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the United States from April 27 to 30, with stops in Washington, New York and Virginia, as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The visit is intended to highlight the historic, economic, security and cultural ties between Britain and the United States.
The royal couple will begin their programme in Washington, where they are expected to meet Trump and First Lady Melania Trump privately before taking part in a formal welcome ceremony and ceremonial military review at the White House. Charles and Trump will hold a private meeting, while Camilla and Melania will also meet separately.
Charles will later address both chambers of Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, addressed Congress in 1991. A state dinner and a ceremony honouring fallen soldiers are also planned, underscoring the long-standing military partnership between the two countries.
The visit comes at a sensitive moment for the “special relationship,” following recent tensions between Washington and London over the U.S. offensive against Iran and Britain’s refusal to support a wider blockade in the Gulf. Trump has repeatedly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, prompting some British lawmakers to question whether the royal visit should go ahead.
As monarch, however, Charles is constitutionally required to remain above politics and will represent the United Kingdom rather than the government’s political position. Buckingham Palace has framed the trip around shared history and modern cooperation, rather than current disputes.
After Washington, Charles and Camilla will travel to New York, where they will commemorate victims of the September 11 attacks and visit community projects, including initiatives supporting young people affected by food insecurity. They will also attend events celebrating U.S.-UK literary, cultural and economic links.
In Virginia, the King and Queen will meet conservation groups and members of local communities, with events also expected to reflect the area’s indigenous heritage and regional culture.
Following the U.S. visit, Charles will travel to Bermuda, a British overseas territory, for a two-day programme focused on culture, education and environmental issues.
