Share and Follow
IN BRIEF
- The visit marks the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped the visit would shore up the future of the two allies’ “special relationship”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom touched down in the United States on Tuesday AEST, embarking on a significant four-day visit. Their arrival was met with enthusiasm from Donald Trump, a self-avowed admirer of the royals, despite ongoing disagreements between the U.S. and the UK over Middle East conflicts.
This state visit, Charles’ most prominent since ascending the throne, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from Britain. Notably, it marks the first visit by a British monarch to the U.S. in twenty years.
Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews, the royal couple was warmly received by a mix of diplomatic, state, and federal dignitaries, alongside senior personnel from the British embassy. They also graciously accepted floral tributes from children of British military personnel residing in the U.S.
At the White House, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by Donald and Melania Trump. The cordial meeting included an exchange of cheek kisses between the royals and the First Lady, while the President opted for a handshake. The group then posed briefly for photographers before moving indoors for a private tea session.
The itinerary for the week involves an address to Congress, a grand state dinner at the White House, and a visit to New York City. The events in Washington unfold amid heightened security concerns, following a recent incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
While Trump is an unabashed fan of the British royal family who regularly describes Charles as a “great man”, he has had differences with the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer is hoping the visit will shore up the future of the two allies’ “special relationship”, which is at its lowest point since the Suez Crisis in 1956.
The long-planned visit has become enmeshed in a political spat between the two countries over the US-Israeli war on Iran, which led Trump to voice deep displeasure with the British government for failing to support the offensive.
September 11 remembrance
The 77-year-old king, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, will become the second British monarch to address the US Congress on Wednesday.
The royals will then head to New York City, where they will commemorate those killed in the September 11 attacks in 2001 ahead of the 25th anniversary, while the queen will also mark the centenary of children’s stories featuring Winnie the Pooh.
The trip concludes in Virginia with the king meeting those involved in conservation work, a nod to his half-century of environmental campaigning.
Britain’s ambassador to the US, Christian Turner, said the visit would underscore the shared history, sacrifice and common values between the two countries, adding that the approach would be a very British one: “Keep calm, carry on.”
While Trump has in recent days eased his criticism of Britain over its response to the Iran war, an internal Pentagon email set out how the US could review its position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands as punishment for its lack of support, further straining ties.
One issue Charles will try to avoid during his visit is the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Royal sources have said it was not possible for the royal couple to meet any victims of Epstein during the tour, as some have requested, to avoid impacting any potential criminal cases.
Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose reputation and royal standing have been destroyed by his links to the late US sex offender, is facing police inquiries over his connections. The former prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.