Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles’s state visit to the United States will go ahead as planned, following a shooting incident in Washington DC on Saturday. A gunman attempted to storm a dinner attended by Donald Trump, prompting a security review.
The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, was arrested after allegedly shooting an officer wearing a bulletproof vest near the hotel. No one was killed, and the president and other guests were unharmed.
In a statement, the palace said discussions took place on both sides of the Atlantic, and acting on government advice, the visit will proceed. Modest adjustments to one or two engagements may occur, but the overall plan remains unchanged.
The King and Queen are due to visit Virginia, New York, and Washington DC from Monday to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence. The programme includes a private meeting with President Trump, a state banquet, and a 9/11 wreath-laying ceremony.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said appropriate security would be in place, with ongoing discussions between UK and US officials. UK-US relations are currently strained due to tensions over the Iran war and a social media post by Trump mocking Keir Starmer.
