King Charles III and Queen Camilla will travel to the U.S. next week for their first official state visit to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, with stops in Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia.
The British royals arrive for their four-day visit to the U.S. on Monday, April 27, and they will stay until Thursday, April 30, Buckingham Palace announced in mid-April.
The visit will include a bilateral meeting between President Trump and King Charles, during which first lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla are also expected to meet separately. A garden party, a ceremonial military review and a state dinner at the White House are also on the itinerary.
“The visit will be an opportunity to recognize the shared history of our two nations; the breadth of the economic, security and cultural relationship that has developed since then; and the deep people-to-people connections which unite communities,” the palace said in a statement.
The British government is hoping the royals’ visit will help smooth over a rift between the longtime allies. It comes amid growing tensions between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran in late February. Trump has frequently criticized Britain and Starmer for failing to support the offensive.
But Trump’s support for the British royal family is unwavering. Trump announced the state visit on his social media platform on March 31, writing, “I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”
Queen Camilla, King Charles, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose for a family photo at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle in England during a State visit.
(Phil Noble/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The British monarchy has twice hosted Trump across both of his terms in the White House. In 2019, Queen Elizabeth II hosted him, while Charles welcomed him last September.
Here’s what else to expect during their historic visit.
Monday, April 27: A garden party fit for a king and queen
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla begin their state visit to the U.S. on Monday, April 27.
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The president and first lady host a private tea with Charles and Camilla to welcome the royals to Washington, D.C.
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A royal garden party will be held for Charles and Camilla at the British ambassador’s residence. According to an invite obtained by Washington Examiner reporter Rob Crilly, the dress code includes lounge suits and a day dress. The outfits are customarily paired with top hats or fascinators, but the invitation discourages the wearing of hats.
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A formal welcome ceremony featuring a ceremonial military review.
Tuesday, April 28: Charles will be the 2nd British royal ever to address a joint meeting of Congress
Queen Elizabeth II addresses a Joint Session of the Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in 1991.
(Dennis Brack/Pool via CNP/Getty Images)
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King Charles addresses a joint meeting of Congress. This marks the second time a British monarch has done so. Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first monarch to do so in 1991. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced the address in a social media post earlier this month.
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After the address, the president and first lady will host Charles and Camilla at the White House for a state dinner.
Wednesday, April 29-Thursday, April 30: The royal couple travels to NYC and Virginia for a block party
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Before Charles and Camilla leave Washington, D.C., they will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor fallen service members. It’s a gesture meant to emphasize the longstanding military partnership between the U.S. and the U.K.
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The royal couple will then travel to New York City. They’ll meet with the families of 9/11 victims ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attack later this year. Charles, who has a longtime interest in environmental and social causes, will also visit a community organization that promotes sustainable urban farming practices. Separately, Camilla will attend an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1926 publication of A.A. Milne’s original Winnie‑the‑Pooh book.
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After New York City, the king and queen will travel to Virginia, where they’ll meet with Indigenous communities and conservation groups. They’ll also attend a block party to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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After Virginia, King Charles will travel alone to Bermuda to visit the overseas British territory.
