Summary (tl;dr)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are currently on a four-day state visit to the United States, which includes a historic address by the King to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress and a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump.

Essential Background

This visit marks the first state visit by a British monarch to the U.S. since Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, and King Charles III's inaugural state visit to the country as monarch. It coincides with the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary of independence, providing a significant backdrop for discussions on the "special relationship" between the two nations amidst current geopolitical tensions and prior public disagreements between President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Full Story

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on April 27, 2026, for a four-day state visit hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. On April 28, King Charles delivered a historic address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, a rare event for a British monarch, which garnered approximately 12 standing ovations. During his speech, the King emphasized the enduring alliance between the UK and the US, while also making subtle references to topics such as NATO support, the defense of Ukraine, and climate change, which some observers interpreted as diplomatic nudges towards President Trump's past stances. The King also held a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. A grand state dinner in honor of the King and Queen took place at the White House, where King Charles presented President Trump with a bell from the World War II-era British submarine, HMS Trump.

Why It Matters

This state visit is pivotal for reaffirming the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly during a period of global uncertainty and some public disagreements between the two nations' leadership. The King's address to Congress serves as a powerful diplomatic gesture, underscoring shared democratic values and advocating for continued international cooperation on critical global issues. The visit also symbolically highlights the deep historical ties between the two nations as the U.S. approaches its semiquincentennial.

Geographic Location

• Joint Base Andrews, Prince George's County, Maryland, United States (arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla)
• The White House, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (state arrival ceremony, bilateral meeting, state dinner)
• U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (King Charles's address to a joint meeting of Congress)