Ask Onix
State visit to US confirmed for late April
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will travel to the United States for a state visit at the end of April, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday. The trip marks the first official UK state visit to the US since Queen Elizabeth II's 2007 visit.
Itinerary and key events
The visit will span April 27-30, with Washington, D.C., as the primary destination. US President Donald Trump confirmed plans for a state banquet at the White House on April 28, calling the event "TERRIFIC" in a social media post. He and First Lady Melania Trump expressed eagerness to host the royal couple, with Trump noting his "great respect" for the King.
King Charles is also expected to address the US Congress during the trip, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence. Buckingham Palace stated the visit will "celebrate historic ties and the modern bilateral relationship" between the two nations.
Diplomatic tensions and public opinion
The timing of the announcement follows months of speculation, with some suggesting the visit was delayed due to political friction over the Iran war. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump criticized the UK and other allies, urging them to secure their own oil from the Strait of Hormuz and warning the US would no longer provide support. He also publicly rebuked UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, comparing him unfavorably to Winston Churchill.
A recent YouGov poll found 49% of Britons opposed the state visit, while 33% supported it. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey had previously called for the trip to be canceled amid ongoing disputes, including Trump's remarks about UK military involvement in Afghanistan, which drew backlash from veterans.
Personal dynamics and unresolved questions
Trump has repeatedly praised his rapport with King Charles, describing their September 2025 meeting at Windsor Castle as "amazing" and calling the King "fantastic." The US president's enthusiasm for the monarchy contrasts with broader diplomatic strains, though the UK government appears to view the visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties.
One unanswered question is whether the King will meet his son, Prince Harry, who resides in the US. Additionally, US Congressman Ro Khanna has urged the King to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, citing the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor-who has denied any wrongdoing-in connection with the case. Khanna argued in a letter to the King that the matter transcends national borders.
Bermuda stopover and logistical details
On the return journey, the King will visit Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic. Full details of the US itinerary remain under wraps, but the Foreign Office confirmed the trip is proceeding as planned, with the King traveling on behalf of the UK government.
