Buckingham palace shares update as King Charles, Queen Camilla begin four-day US visit

On Monday, April 27, 2026, a significant chapter in international diplomacy began as King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington, D.C.   This historic four-day visit, the first state tour by a British monarch to the U.S. in nearly two decades, is designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and strengthen the "special relationship" between the two nations.

A Warm Welcome in the Capital

The royal couple landed at Joint Base Andrews on Monday afternoon, where they were greeted with military honors before traveling to the White House.   President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump provided a personal welcome at the South Portico, marking the official start of the tour.

The first day’s highlights included:

• Tea in the Green Room: The couples shared a private afternoon tea on the State Floor, providing an informal setting for initial discussions.

• A Tour of the Grounds: The King and Queen were given a tour of the South Lawn, which included a visit to the newly expanded White House beehive—a nod to the King’s lifelong commitment to sustainability and nature.

• The British Embassy Garden Party: To conclude the day, the King and Queen hosted a reception for 650 guests at the British Embassy. The menu featured classic British fare, including 3,000 sandwiches and scones, celebrating the deep cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

The Ceremonial Core: April 28

Tuesday, April 28, marks the most ceremonial phase of the visit, characterized by grand displays of military tradition and high-level political engagement.

State Arrival and Military Honors

A full State Arrival Ceremony was held on the South Lawn, featuring:

• The 21-Gun Salute: Performed by the Presidential Salute Battery.

• A Historic First: For the first time in state visit history, the royals participated in a "Pass in Review" featuring 800 service members from all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• The Oval Office Meeting: Following the ceremony, the President and the King held a private bilateral meeting to discuss modern global challenges and shared security interests.

Addressing Congress

In a rare and significant honor, King Charles is scheduled to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday afternoon. This will be only the second time a British monarch has delivered such an address, following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who did so in 1991.

Looking Ahead: New York and Virginia

The latter half of the tour will take the King and Queen beyond the capital to other culturally significant locations:

• New York City: The itinerary includes a visit to the September 11 Memorial and meetings with business and technology leaders.   Queen Camilla is also expected to attend a literary event at the New York Public Library.

• Virginia: The couple will participate in "block party" celebrations and historical events linked to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, emphasizing the shared roots and long-standing friendship of the two nations.

The visit concludes on Thursday, April 30, with a formal farewell at the White House.   Despite a backdrop of complex global politics, the mission remains focused on "symbolically reaffirming ties" and celebrating the enduring partnership that has defined the last two and a half centuries.