King Charles III has begun a four-day state visit to the United States, with a packed itinerary spanning Washington, D.C., New York and Virginia, as the trip unfolds against a backdrop of strained relations between the U.S. and the U.K.
The visit—Charles’s first to the U.S. as monarch—includes a mix of ceremonial events and high-level diplomacy, including a formal state dinner, a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, and a rare address to the U.S. Congress.
The royal tour begins in Washington, where Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a private tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, followed by a garden party bringing together key figures representing U.S.-U.K. ties.
A formal military welcome and ceremonial review are also planned, underscoring the long-standing defence partnership between the two nations.
One of the most closely watched moments of the visit will be Charles’s address to Congress—only the second time a British monarch has delivered such a speech—alongside remarks expected at the state dinner.
Beyond Washington, the visit shifts toward cultural and social engagements. In New York, the King and Queen will commemorate the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, meet community organizations, and highlight shared literary and cultural ties.
The final leg in Virginia will focus on community-building and environmental initiatives, as well as celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence.
However, the visit is unfolding amid geopolitical strain, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran and recent criticism directed at the U.K. by President Trump. Analysts say the trip aims to emphasize long-standing alliances and shared history, even as political tensions persist.
Notably absent from the itinerary are meetings with Prince Harry or figures linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case—decisions seen as efforts to avoid overshadowing the diplomatic focus of the visit.
The visit is expected to conclude Thursday, after which King Charles will travel to Bermuda for his first visit there as monarch.
