King Charles and Queen Camilla pictured mingling with US politicians at Garden Party

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:17:41 +0000

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a Garden Party at the British Embassy in Washington DC on Monday evening, marking the start of their official state visit to the United States.

The reception at the ambassador's residence brought together an array of guests representing the transatlantic relationship between Britain and America.

Their visit commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The royal couple's itinerary spans engagements across Washington DC, New York and Virginia from April 27 to 30.

Following the American leg, the King will travel to Bermuda for his first visit to a British Overseas Territory since ascending to the throne.

Among the senior American officials present were White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also attended the gathering, alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife, Kelly Johnson.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in attendance with her husband, Paul Pelosi.

The event was hosted by Christian Turner, Britain's ambassador to the United States, and his wife Claire Turner.

The British Embassy had earlier revealed preparations for the occasion, with chefs creating four varieties of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts for 650 guests, featuring British ingredients including smoked Scottish salmon and British beef.

Prior to the embassy reception, the King and Queen were greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House's South Portico.

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The two couples posed for photographs before retiring inside for a private tea, their first meeting since the Trumps' state visit to Britain in September 2025.

Speaking to the BBC last week, the President described the monarch as "fantastic" and "a brave man."

When asked whether the state visit might help mend relations between the two nations, which have been strained amid the conflict in Iran, Mr Trump responded: "Absolutely."