WASHINGTON, United States: King Charles III begins a four-day state visit to the United States on Monday, as tensions simmer between London and Washington over the Iran conflict, and just days after a shooting at a high-profile dinner attended by US President Donald Trump.
The visit, which also includes Queen Camilla, is intended to honour longstanding ties between the two countries as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, according to the British government.
During the trip, Charles is set to become the first British monarch to address the US Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The royal couple will also meet Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for tea and attend a formal state dinner.
The itinerary includes a visit to New York, where the royals will tour the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, before travelling to Bermuda on Thursday for Charles’s first visit to a British overseas territory as monarch.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit would proceed despite the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, noting that Charles was “greatly relieved” that Trump, Melania, and other attendees were unharmed.
Authorities said a suspected lone gunman is in custody following the incident, in which a member of the president’s security detail was wounded.
Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, said officials were confident that robust security arrangements were in place for the visit following extensive consultations.
Controversy
Charles’s first US state visit as monarch comes at the request of both the UK government and Trump, but unfolds against a backdrop of political disagreement.
Trump has sharply criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to the Iran war, as well as over domestic policies including immigration and energy.
Starmer and Trump spoke by phone on Sunday, with the British leader expressing “his best wishes” after what he described as “shocking scenes” at the Washington gala.
They also discussed the need to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning of wider consequences for the global economy and cost of living.
While Starmer has publicly criticised the conflict, he has defended the state visit, highlighting the monarchy’s long-term diplomatic role. Polling earlier this month suggested a significant portion of the British public supports cancelling the trip.
Trump, however, has expressed optimism, telling media outlets that the visit could help improve relations. “He’s a friend of mine for a long time, so he’s coming, and we’re going to have a great time,” Trump said, adding that Charles represents Britain “like nobody else can do it.”
Unspoken Tensions
Observers say Charles is likely to draw on his diplomatic experience during the visit. Royal experts note his previous handling of Trump’s 2025 UK visit as evidence of his ability to navigate sensitive political contexts.
Analysts suggest that in his address to Congress, Charles may allude indirectly to current tensions, including differences over Iran, in carefully calibrated language.
Meanwhile, broader controversies also linger in the background. The fallout from the case of Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over the British royal family due to the past association of Charles’s brother, Prince Andrew, with the disgraced financier.
Andrew, who remains under investigation, has denied any wrongdoing.
The visit has been tightly choreographed, with officials aiming to minimise unscripted moments. Only photographers will be present during Tuesday’s Oval Office meeting between Trump and Charles, underscoring the careful planning behind a trip balancing diplomacy, symbolism, and political sensitivities.
