WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed King Charles III to the White House, praising Britain as America’s closest ally despite recent tensions over the Iran conflict.
Speaking at a ceremonial reception on the South Lawn, Trump said the United States had “no closer friends than the British,” as he hosted the king on the second day of a four-day state visit.
“In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British,” Trump said, referring to the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The President and First Lady host a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, drawing upon a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/kJCWRkT5XY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026
Ceremonial welcome and talks
The visit featured a full military welcome, including a 21-gun salute, a flypast by US jets, and a “Pass in Review” involving nearly 500 service members from all six branches of the US military, according to the White House.
President Trump and The First Lady Participate in a Greeting with the King and Queen of the UK https://t.co/3zXSqhPzPn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026
Trump and King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump, watched the ceremony from the South Portico balcony before the president and the king held closed-door talks in the Oval Office.
Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting, including US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Ambassador to Washington Christian Turner.
Trump emphasises ‘special relationship’
Trump invoked the long-standing “special relationship” between the two countries, a term first popularised by former British prime minister Winston Churchill.
“We have a special relationship, and we hope it will always remain that way,” he said, also praising the British military, saying “nobody fought better together” with US forces.
“Today we look back on 250 years. Let us remember what has made our countries the two most exceptional nations the world has ever known.” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/inYOWzmCYA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026
The president struck a notably warm tone despite recent criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his stance on the Iran war, where London has refrained from providing direct military support.
King Charles to address Congress
King Charles is due to address a joint session of Congress later on Tuesday, where he is expected to emphasise shared democratic values and call for “reconciliation and renewal” in bilateral ties.
It will mark only the second time a British monarch has addressed the US Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991.
British officials hope the visit will help ease tensions between the allies, which have been strained since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
While Trump and King Charles held talks, Queen Camilla and Melania Trump attended a separate educational event at the White House.
Students used virtual reality headsets and AI-enabled glasses to explore British cultural landmarks such as Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace.
First Lady Melania Trump & Queen Camilla Join Students in Exploring US-UK History Through Innovation https://t.co/en6woCjapv
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 28, 2026
“Today, students all over the world can visit historically important sites, learn about the past, and be inspired,” Melania Trump said in a statement.
Security and State Dinner
Security around the visit has been tight, coming days after an assassination attempt against Trump at a Washington event.
Counter-sniper teams were visible on the White House roof during the ceremony.
The first day of the visit included a more informal reception, with the Trumps hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla for tea and a tour of the White House grounds, including its beehives.
