The monarch’s significant diplomatic trip is unfolding under heightened security and political strain as UK–US relations face renewed scrutiny.
King Charles has arrived in Washington for a high-stakes state visit with Donald Trump, days after the latest attempt to murder the US president raised questions over whether the trip would proceed.
The monarch, 77, and his wife Queen Camilla, 78, touched down at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, D.C., on Monday (27.04.26) following an eight-hour transatlantic flight, beginning a four-day visit intended to reinforce diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Their visit comes shortly after an attempted attack at an event attended by Donald Trump, 79, prompting heightened security measures and last-minute discussions between officials in both countries.
The trip, confirmed by Buckingham Palace in March, also coincides with preparations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Charles and Camilla were greeted on arrival by senior US and UK officials, including Ambassador Monica Crowley and British ambassador Sir Christian Turner, alongside military personnel and families based in the United States.
A military honour guard representing the US Army, Navy and Air Force lined the runway as a band played God Save the King.
Camilla wore a pink Dior coat dress and a Cartier brooch featuring the flags of both nations, originally created for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The visit is expected to include a series of formal engagements, including a state dinner at the White House hosted by Donald and First Lady Melania Trump, 56, as well as a private meeting between Charles and Trump.
According to previously released plans, Charles will also address Congress and travel to New York and Virginia during the visit.
Separate engagements are expected for Camilla and US First Lady Melania.
Trump has previously expressed enthusiasm for the visit.
He said: “It will be TERRIFIC!” in a post on Truth Social when the trip was announced.
The visit takes place against a backdrop of political tensions between the UK and US governments.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly disagreed with Trump on a number of issues, including foreign policy and territorial disputes.
The state visit is seen as an opportunity to reaffirm the “special relationship” between the two countries during a period of international uncertainty.
Security arrangements have been intensified following the recent incident in Washington, where a gunman opened fire at an event attended by Donald and Melania, leading to their evacuation.
Protective measures for the royal visit are understood to include a significant security presence around the White House and other venues.
Despite speculation, sources have indicated Charles is not expected to meet his son Prince Harry, 41, who resides in the United States, during the trip.
Charles is also scheduled to continue to Bermuda following the US visit, marking his first official visit there as monarch.
The last state visit by a British monarch to Washington took place in 2007, when Queen Elizabeth visited the United States.
King Charles lands for ‘terrific’ Trump visit amid security fears
