King Charles III begins US state visit

King Charles III arrived at the White House on Monday for a four-day state visit to the United States, taking place amid political tensions between London and Washington and heightened security concerns following a weekend shooting incident in the capital.

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The visit comes nearly 250 years after the American colonies declared independence from Britain during the reign of Charles’s ancestor, King George III. Officials on both sides say the trip is meant to highlight the enduring relationship between the two countries as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.

Security was reassessed shortly before the visit after gunfire erupted near a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday. Buckingham Palace said the king was “greatly relieved” that the president, Melania Trump, and other guests were unharmed.

Trump and the first lady welcomed Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House’s South Portico. The two couples were scheduled to share tea before viewing a beehive shaped like the White House, recently installed by the first lady. Charles has long supported beekeeping and maintains several hives at his private residence in England as part of his environmental advocacy.

Political strains between allies

The visit takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic rift between the United States and the British government. Trump has publicly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to support U.S. military strikes against Iran.

In recent remarks, Trump dismissed Starmer as “not Winston Churchill,” referencing the wartime leader who popularised the phrase “special relationship” to describe U.S.-U.K. ties. The president has also criticised several NATO allies for failing to join the campaign against Iran.

Despite the political disagreement, Trump has said tensions with the British government would not affect the royal visit, emphasising his personal respect for the king. He has repeatedly referred to Charles as a friend and praised their relationship following his own visit to Britain last year.

During that trip, the royal family hosted Trump and the first lady with ceremonial events, including a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

Debate over the visit

Some British politicians and commentators have questioned whether the visit should proceed under current circumstances.

Ed Davey called earlier this month for the trip to be cancelled, warning that Trump’s conduct could place the monarch in an uncomfortable position during public appearances.

Starmer defended the visit, arguing that the monarchy can play a unique diplomatic role. He said the institution often helps maintain relationships across decades through personal connections and symbolic engagement.

Kristofer Allerfeldt, a historian at the University of Exeter, said the two governments likely view the visit differently. According to Allerfeldt, the monarchy seeks to reinforce long-term diplomatic ties and demonstrate Britain’s continuing influence, while the White House may see the trip as a high-profile public event.

Past controversies and royal diplomacy

The visit also comes amid renewed attention on Charles’s younger brother, Prince Andrew, whose association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has drawn criticism. Andrew, whose full name is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, stepped back from public duties and lost his royal titles following the scandal. He denies wrongdoing.

Advocates for survivors of sexual abuse have urged the king to meet victims during his trip, though such a meeting is considered unlikely.

Charles, 77, has visited the United States many times but this marks his first state visit since becoming monarch in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth made four state visits to the U.S., including a landmark address to Congress in 1991.

During the current visit, Charles is expected to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress — only the second time a British monarch has done so. Other events include a White House state dinner, a visit to the September 11 memorial in New York, and participation in anniversary celebrations in Virginia.

The king will also meet Indigenous leaders involved in conservation projects, reflecting his long-standing interest in environmental protection.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 April 2026