LONDON/WASHINGTON: Britain’s King Charles III will pay a state visit to the United States in late April, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, as the UK government aims to stabilise strained relations with US President Donald Trump.
The king, accompanied by Queen Camilla, will travel to the United States as part of a long-planned visit marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, before continuing to Bermuda.
🇬🇧🇺🇸 On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States, The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America. Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral… pic.twitter.com/DY1CltXzVo
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 31, 2026
Buckingham Palace said the visit would “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States, adding that it was being undertaken on the advice of the British government.
Trump said the visit would begin on April 27, with a state banquet scheduled at the White House the following day.
“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It will be TERRIFIC!”
President Donald J. Trump announces Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th. pic.twitter.com/dMFwwNp4rI
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 31, 2026
The trip will mark the first state visit by a British monarch to the United States since 2007, when Queen Elizabeth II made her fourth official visit during her reign.
US-UK relations strained over Iran war
The visit comes at a time of growing tensions between Washington and London over the conflict in Iran.
Relations between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been strained by Britain’s refusal to participate fully in US-led military operations and its decision not to allow US forces to use British bases for initial strikes.
Although the UK has since permitted what Starmer described as “defensive” operations, Trump has repeatedly criticised the British leader, saying he was “not Winston Churchill” and accusing him of weakening the alliance.
In recent remarks, Trump again lashed out at allies, including the United Kingdom, over their reluctance to support efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, telling them to “learn how to fight for yourself”.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/aPYmL0qspa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 31, 2026
Strategic and political sensitivities
The dispute has extended beyond military cooperation.
Trump has also criticised Britain’s agreement with Mauritius over the future of the Chagos Islands, home to the strategically important US-UK Diego Garcia air base, calling the deal a “great mistake”.
Starmer has questioned the legality of strikes on Iran, which have also faced public opposition in Britain due to concerns over rising energy costs.
Despite differences, Starmer has avoided direct criticism of Trump and has maintained that their working relationship remains positive.
