King Charles III has arrived in the United States on a four-day state visit aimed at celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary, with trans-Atlantic ties under strain and security in the spotlight. A shooting at a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday sparked a last-minute security review, but Buckingham Palace confirmed the trip would proceed as planned after the king expressed relief that all guests were unharmed.
Political Tensions Loom
A rift between the UK government and Trump over issues including the Iran war has raised the political stakes. Trump has lambasted Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not joining US military attacks on Iran, dismissing him as 'not Winston Churchill.' The president has also criticized NATO allies, calling them 'cowards' for not acting against Iran. A leaked Pentagon email suggested the US could reassess support for UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which Britain and Argentina fought a war over in 1982.
Trump's Praise for the King
Despite political tensions, Trump has spoken glowingly about Charles, calling him a 'friend' and a 'great guy.' He continues to mention his 'amazing' trip to the UK in September for a second state visit. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump looks forward to the visit, which will include a state dinner and multiple events. Trump told the BBC that the king's visit could 'absolutely' help repair the trans-Atlantic relationship.
Mixed Reactions and Concerns
Some have called for the trip to be canceled. Kristofer Allerfeldt, a University of Exeter professor, noted that the two governments have different objectives: Charles aims to reinforce long-term ties and soft power, while Trump sees it as a media event. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called Trump 'a dangerous and corrupt gangster' and urged cancellation, fearing embarrassment. Starmer defended the visit, citing the monarchy's ability to bolster important relationships through bonds built over decades.
Andrew and Epstein Cast a Shadow
The visit is also overshadowed by the king's younger brother Andrew, who has been stripped of his royal title and exiled over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein victims have urged Charles to meet with them, but it is unlikely he will do so. Charles has visited the US 19 times, but this is his first state visit as king. He was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 and is accompanied by Queen Camilla.
Schedule and Key Moments
In Washington, the royal couple will have a private tea with the Trumps, attend a garden party, and a formal White House state dinner. They will also visit the Sept. 11 memorial in New York and a 250th birthday block party in Virginia, where Charles will meet Indigenous leaders involved in nature conservation. A key moment will be the king's speech to the US Congress on Tuesday, only the second time a UK monarch has addressed a joint meeting. Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 speech praised liberalism and diversity; Charles is expected to subtly highlight his causes, including the environment and religious harmony, which contrast with Trump's views.
