5 hours ago
Sean Coughlan, Royal correspondent, Washington DC
The King and Queen’s state visit to the United States is intended to “renew and revitalise a unique friendship,” the UK’s ambassador Sir Christian Turner says.
The visitors arrive on Monday amid political tensions between the UK and the US, and security concerns have risen after a shooting in Washington DC at the weekend at an event attended by President Trump. The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, spoke to President Trump on Sunday, and after UK–US security talks it was agreed the trip should go ahead with only a few changes to reduce risk. The King and Queen privately contacted the Trumps to express sympathy after the attack.
The four-day visit begins in Washington DC, where the King and Queen will be greeted at the White House by President Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump. British and US flags line the streets as the visit unfolds through days of ceremonial events and public diplomacy.
The programme is expected to be a charm offensive — including a symbolic visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York — and a demonstration of solidarity. For President Trump it is a visible chance to appear alongside royalty on the world stage; he told the BBC he believed the visit could help repair relations with the UK.
Sir Christian said the visit will stress shared history, shared sacrifice and common values, showing that the partnership makes both nations “safer, richer and happier.” Although diplomats increasingly avoid the phrase “special relationship,” officials say the visit comes at a testing moment, with disagreements such as Mr Trump’s criticism of Sir Keir over the UK’s stance on Iran.
Events in Washington, New York and Virginia are meant to show the relationship extends beyond the current governments. After the White House event and tea with the Trumps, the King and Queen will host a garden party for guests with UK–US connections.
Sir Christian outlined three strategic priorities for the state visit: investment, military co‑operation and strengthening people‑to‑people links, including tourism and education. The visit has faced domestic criticism too; Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged it be cancelled, calling the US president “unreliable.”
The diplomatic highlight will be the King’s address to the US Congress on Tuesday, where he must balance reflecting UK government positions and maintaining cordial relations with President Trump, who will make remarks at a state dinner. In a Fox News interview the president praised King Charles as “a fantastic person and a tremendous representative,” a warmth the UK government hopes will benefit political ties.
