King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in the United States for their first official state visit as monarch and consort, marking a major diplomatic milestone during America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The four-day visit, taking place from April 27 to April 30, 2026, is hosted by Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump. It is the first visit of its kind by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II traveled to the U.S. in 2007, highlighting the continued strength of the transatlantic “special relationship.”
Royal Arrival and White House Welcome
The King and Queen landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday, where they were greeted with full military honors before heading to Washington, D.C. The visit began with a private tea and a garden party at the White House, offering an informal start to a packed diplomatic schedule.
Despite recent security concerns following an incident linked to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, both Buckingham Palace and U.S. officials confirmed that the visit would proceed without any changes.
Full State Visit Schedule
Washington, D.C. (April 27–28):
- Private tea and garden party at the White House
- Bilateral meeting between King Charles III and President Trump
- State banquet on April 28
- Historic address by the King to a joint session of Congress—the first by a British monarch since 1991
New York City:
- Visit to the September 11 Memorial
- Community engagement in Harlem
- Events supporting The King’s Trust
Virginia:
- Cultural engagements and a “block party” celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary
- Meetings with local organizations
Queen Camilla’s Engagements
Alongside the main program, Queen Camilla will carry out solo engagements focused on raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women. She will also attend a literary event celebrating shared cultural ties between the UK and U.S., including the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Why This Visit Matters
At 77, King Charles III is making his debut visit to the United States as monarch, combining ceremonial tradition with modern diplomacy. The visit underscores the enduring alliance between the UK and the U.S., blending cultural outreach, charitable initiatives, and high-level political engagement at a significant moment in American history.
The royal tour concludes on April 30, after which the King is scheduled to travel on to Bermuda, continuing his international engagements.