Britain’s monarch King Charles III met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the start of a high-profile state visit taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and heightened security concerns.
The king, accompanied by Queen Camilla, received a ceremonial welcome in Washington, though the visit comes at a time when relations between the United States and the United Kingdom are under strain over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Despite public displays of warmth, differences remain over US policy in the Middle East. The visit, initially intended to celebrate historic ties between the two allies, has evolved into a diplomatic effort to ease tensions.
According to excerpts from his upcoming address, King Charles is expected to emphasize themes of “reconciliation and renewal” when he speaks before the US Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
At the White House, Trump and Charles exchanged greetings outside the South Portico, joined by Melania Trump. The royal couple later attended a tea hosted by the president and toured parts of the White House grounds.
The day’s engagements concluded with a garden reception at the British ambassador’s residence, attended by prominent figures including Mike Johnson and Olympic champion Tom Daley.
The four-day visit comes shortly after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a suspect was arrested for allegedly attempting to target the US president. As a result, security measures around the royal visit have been significantly tightened.
The visit has also been overshadowed by disagreements between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The US president has publicly criticized the UK’s stance on the Iran conflict, at one point comparing Starmer unfavorably to Winston Churchill.
While Starmer has voiced opposition to the war, he has defended the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties, including the state visit.
During the visit, Trump is expected to host a formal state dinner, while King Charles will address US lawmakers. The royal couple will also travel to New York to visit the 9/11 Memorial before continuing to Bermuda.
