Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States from 27 to 30 April, despite criticism from MPs who argue the trip risks becoming a 'humiliation' due to ongoing US-led military action in Iran and tensions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump.
The visit, which will include a White House banquet on 28 April and an address to Congress, marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, several politicians have called for a delay. Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, suggested it would be 'safer to delay' to avoid embarrassing the monarch. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Starmer of a 'staggering lack of backbone', saying sending the king after Trump dismissed the Royal Navy as 'toys' was a humiliation.
Trump announced the visit on his Truth Social network, calling it 'TERRIFIC' and expressing respect for the king. Yet just an hour earlier, he had criticised the UK for failing to support US-Israel strikes on Iran, urging Britain to 'build up some delayed courage' and seize jet fuel from the Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also pressured the UK to 'step up' to defend the critical waterway, questioning the capabilities of the Royal Navy.
Labour MPs have voiced strong objections. John McDonnell warned Trump would use the visit for personal publicity ahead of US elections, while Clive Lewis called it a 'profound misreading of the moment' to hold a state visit during an 'illegal war'. Kim Johnson also criticised the decision. The Foreign Office, however, maintains the visit is intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence, and Buckingham Palace stated it proceeds on the advice of His Majesty's government.
