King Charles leaves United States as Queen Camilla returns to UK alone

Dorothy Reddin
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:25:55 +0000

King Charles III has concluded the United States leg of his state visit and is now preparing to continue his overseas tour with a visit to Bermuda, following a four-day programme of engagements in Washington, New York and Virginia.

The King departed the US after a series of high-profile ceremonial and diplomatic events designed to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and reinforce the UK-US relationship.

His final engagements included a formal farewell at the White House, where he and Queen Camilla were hosted by President Donald Trump, followed by a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where the King laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in tribute to fallen service personnel.

The visit to Washington featured a full programme of state ceremonial, including a 21-gun salute, a military welcome, and meetings with senior US officials.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

In New York, Their Majesties attended cultural and commemorative events.

This included visits linked to the 9/11 memorial and community organisations, while in Virginia, they took part in public-facing engagements reflecting Anglo-American heritage and shared history.

Following the conclusion of the US visit, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal tour will continue with an official visit to Bermuda, marking the King’s first trip to a British Overseas Territory since his accession.

Queen Camilla is not joining her husband in Bermuda.

The Bermuda leg of the tour will take place from 30 April to 2 May 2026 and will focus on celebrating the island’s culture, environment, youth programmes and public service.

It is also expected to highlight the constitutional and historical ties between Bermuda and the United Kingdom, as well as the territory’s role within the wider Commonwealth network.

The programme in Bermuda is set to include a ceremonial welcome, complete with a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute, reflecting traditional royal protocol.

LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS

‘They got me to do it!’ Donald Trump lifts whisky tariffs after visit from King and Queen

Crowds line the streets in Virginia for Queen and King block party

Donald Trump contrasts King with Keir Starmer in blunt swipe

The King is also expected to undertake a series of engagements across the island.

This will include visits linked to conservation and biodiversity projects, meetings with young people and community groups, and appearances at cultural events showcasing Bermudian heritage.

Among the planned highlights is a visit to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, which is marking its centenary, alongside engagements with local artists, craftspeople and athletes.

The King is also expected to formally open a new coastguard facility, underlining the importance of maritime security and environmental protection in the region.

The visit is seen as a significant moment in the King’s early reign, reinforcing relationships between the UK and its overseas territories while placing emphasis on themes such as youth opportunity, environmental stewardship and cultural identity.