King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on the third day of their historic state visit to the United States, a trip many hope will strengthen the 'special relationship' between the UK and the US. The royals arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday afternoon, marking the King's first state visit to the US as monarch. The visit also heralds the start of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Wednesday's Schedule
On Wednesday, the King and Queen travel to New York. Around 1:00 PM local time (6:00 PM BST), they will visit the 9/11 memorial, where they will meet with first responders and families of victims, marking the approach of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. At 2:00 PM local time (7:00 PM BST), Queen Camilla will visit the New York Public Library's permanent treasures collection. She will donate a specially made toy of Winnie-the-Pooh character Roo, crafted by traditional British teddy bear maker Merrythought, to complete a set of original toys that inspired A. A. Milne's stories. The original Roo was lost in the 1930s. Meanwhile, King Charles will attend a community engagement in Harlem and then a UK-US trade and business event at 3:25 PM local time (8:25 PM BST). The couple will reunite at 5:15 PM local time (10:15 PM BST) for a UK-US cultural reception.
Thursday's Plans
On Thursday, the royals will bid farewell to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before heading to Virginia for community activities. They are expected to attend a party marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and meet with indigenous communities to discuss climate change projects. Following the US visit, King Charles will travel to Bermuda.
Highlights of the Visit So Far
The King and Queen were greeted by President Trump and the First Lady at the White House's south portico on Monday for a private afternoon tea. They visited the White House beehives, and Camilla spoke with charity leaders combating child exploitation. The King ended the first day chatting with Olympic diver Tom Daley about knitting. On Tuesday, a state arrival ceremony took place on the South Lawn, where Trump praised the UK-US relationship and recalled his mother's 'crush' on a young Charles. The King addressed Congress, receiving a standing ovation as he emphasised the 'interlinked' destinies of the two nations. That evening, a state dinner was held in the East Room, where Charles gifted Trump a bell from the HMS Trump, a World War II-era British submarine.
Security and Context
The visit proceeded despite a shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner days earlier, which raised security concerns. Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit would go ahead as planned, with the UK ambassador assuring robust security. Charles's speech to Congress highlighted the resilience of the UK-US relationship, stating, 'When we have found that way to agree, what great change is brought about.'
