King Charles and Queen Camilla greet Donald and Melania Trump at White House in landmark moment

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:19:26 +0000

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the White House to meet President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, marking a momentous occasion in Anglo-American relations.

The monarch and his wife touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Monday, beginning their historic four-day state visit.

Their Majesties are now taking tea with the Trumps at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the first engagement of what promises to be a significant diplomatic tour.

Queen Camilla has changed into a white chiffon dress with beautiful black beaded embroidery, designed by Anna Valentine.

This is Their Majesties' first visit to America since King Charles ascended to the throne, emphasising the enduring bond between the two nations.

This trip commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, with Their Majesties set to travel across Washington DC, New York and Virginia over the coming days.

It marks the first state visit by a British monarch since the late Queen Elizabeth II travelled to the United States in 2007 for the Jamestown settlement anniversary celebrations.

The trip offers an opportunity to acknowledge the shared heritage between both nations, alongside the extensive economic, security and cultural ties that have flourished since American independence.

The state visit proceeds despite Saturday's shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which saw President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and the First Lady evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom.

A gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents in the lobby before being subdued and arrested.

The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen from Torrance, California, shot an agent in his ballistic vest; the officer has since been discharged from hospital and is expected to recover fully.

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday that the visit would go ahead following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.

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GB News understands that Charles and Camilla privately contacted the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected and gratitude towards the security services.

The royal itinerary includes a ceremonial military review, garden party and bilateral discussions between the President and King, whilst the Queen and First Lady hold their own separate meeting.

King Charles will become only the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II's speech at the Capitol during her 1991 state visit.

A state dinner hosted by the Trumps will conclude the Washington programme before the couple departs for New York, where engagements will focus on economic and cultural ties.

The tour culminates in Virginia with community events and a block party celebrating America's milestone anniversary.