King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a controversial state visit to the United States, where they will be received by US President Donald Trump, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace. The royal couple’s visit, scheduled for next month, has been approved by the government and arranged upon the president’s invitation.
The upcoming trip, slated for the final week of April, will include visits to various locations, including a solo trip by Charles to the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda. In the US, King Charles and Queen Camilla will partake in events commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. This will involve participating in a grand state dinner at the White House and Charles delivering a speech to Congress, according to the Palace. Specific dates and plans for the visit have not been disclosed yet.
The announcement of this significant journey follows debates calling for its cancellation or postponement due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. President Trump’s recent criticisms of the UK’s stance on supporting the US in the Iran situation, along with his remarks on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have added to the controversy surrounding the visit.
In a statement released today, Buckingham Palace stated: “Upon advice from the UK Government and at the invitation of the US President, King Charles and Queen Camilla will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America. Their itinerary will highlight the longstanding ties and current bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the milestone of 250 years since American Independence. Following this, King Charles will proceed to Bermuda for his inaugural Royal Visit as Monarch to a British Overseas Territory.”
This visit will mark King Charles’s first official visit to the US as monarch and the first state visit by a British sovereign to America in almost two decades, since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2007. Over the years, there have been four official visits by US Presidents to the UK, most recently in 2025 when President Trump was hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Furthermore, Charles’s upcoming journey to Bermuda will be historic as the first visit by a reigning King to the island. The Duchess of Gloucester was the latest member of the Royal Family to visit Bermuda in 2025.
Despite the criticism surrounding the trip, with a recent survey indicating divided opinions on its continuation, President Trump has expressed anticipation for the visit, referring to King Charles as a friend and looking forward to hosting him during the state dinner.
The potential reunion between King Charles and his son Prince Harry, who resides on the US West Coast with his family, may also be a highlight of the tour. This visit could offer an opportunity for the King to reconnect with Prince Harry and meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after a significant period apart.