King Charles III and the Prince of Wales are expected to make separate trips to the United States in 2026 as part of a campaign to revitalise a trade deal with President Donald Trump, according to reports. Advanced talks on a visit by the King are said to be under way, with a possible date in April, while William is expected to travel later in the year during the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
The visits would be the first by a reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II accepted an invitation from President George W. Bush in 2007. The royal charm offensive comes after the US paused implementation of a multibillion-pound investment deal in British technology, citing a lack of progress in lowering trade barriers. The £31 billion agreement, hailed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as 'a generational step-change in our relationship with the US', included pledges from Microsoft and Google to invest £22 billion and £5 billion respectively.
The decision to pause the deal was a blow to the UK government, which had touted it as a prize of intensive engagement to avoid punitive tariffs on British exports. Starmer had hosted Trump for a second state visit at Windsor Castle in September, an unprecedented honour for a US president. However, Downing Street acknowledged that 'negotiations of this kind are never straightforward', with sticking points including Britain's digital services tax and greater access for US farmers to British markets.
Prince William is expected to visit the US during the World Cup in his capacity as President of the Football Association. England's third group match is scheduled for 27 June in New Jersey, a week before the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on 4 July. It is possible that the visit will be timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister is not expected to accompany the King on his visit; instead, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is likely to represent the government. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the reports, stating it does not comment on upcoming royal engagements.
