UK’s King Charles begins historic US state visit shadowed by transatlantic tensions
The monarch’s four-day visit comes as relations remain strained between Donald Trump and the UK government
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day trip, welcomed by self-proclaimed royal fan Donald Trump even as the US president has differed with the British government over the Iran war.
The state visit, by far the most high-profile and consequential of Charles’ reign, marks the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule, and is the first to the country by a British monarch in two decades.
After landing at Joint Base Andrews, the site of a brief arrival ceremony, Charles and Camilla proceeded to the White House, where they were greeted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump, who exchanged kisses on the cheek with the king and queen while the president shook their hands.
The four stood briefly for photographers before retreating inside for a private tea.
The king and queen later appeared at a garden party at the British ambassador’s recently renovated residence, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems.
Charles and Camilla mingled with a crowd that included media leaders, Washington socialites and officials such as US Senator Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and ambassadors from other countries.