Plans for King Charles III's upcoming state visit to the United States have raised eyebrows, with preparations suggesting a notably more modest reception than the lavish pomp extended to President Donald Trump during his recent UK trip. The contrast centres on a proposed large tent on the White House South Lawn and the presence of a portable toilet.
A Tale of Two Visits: Pomp Versus Practicality
The striking difference in hospitality was laid bare by White House secretary Will Scharf during a meeting about redevelopment plans. Mr Scharf pointedly noted that when President Trump visited the United Kingdom in September 2025, he was hosted at the historic Windsor Castle. The visit featured an Irish State Coach procession, an honour guard inspection, a Red Arrows flypast, and a grand state banquet.
In contrast, plans for King Charles's visit to Washington in April appear far more humble. "When next year the, The King... comes to the United States, more likely than not he will be hosted ... in a tent on the South Lawn with porta potties," Mr Scharf told the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The meeting was primarily focused on a project to demolish the White House's East Wing to construct a new $400m (£300m) luxury ballroom.
The Grand Ballroom Project Behind the Comments
The comments emerged from discussions about the ambitious East Wing overhaul. Architect Shalom Baranes, who leads the project, detailed that the proposed ballroom would span approximately 22,000 square feet, designed to seat 1,000 guests. While Mr Trump initially wanted capacity for 1,300, his team is not currently pursuing a larger size.
The total new East Wing, including two floors and the ballroom, would exceed 89,000 square feet. It would feature a two-storey colonnade linking the White House's East Room to the new space. To restore symmetry, a one-storey addition to the West Wing colonnade is also under consideration.
Controversy and Construction Forges Ahead
The redevelopment has faced criticism from opponents who argue the extension could overshadow the main White House mansion and lament the loss of the first lady's office and a movie theatre. Despite these objections, a federal judge has indicated he is not inclined to halt the work, allowing the controversial project to proceed.
The juxtaposition of a future $400m ballroom with current plans to host a reigning monarch in a temporary structure has highlighted the unpredictable nature of modern diplomatic protocol. While ornate tents have been used for state dinners on the White House grounds for years, the explicit mention of portable facilities has drawn particular attention to the perceived disparity in hospitality between the two allied nations.
