Key details of King Charles and Donald Trump's meeting in the US revealed as White House to host crunch talks

Svar Nanan-Sen
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:00:02 +0000

Buckingham Palace has announced the key details surrounding King Charles and Queen Camilla trip to the United States later this month.

The royal couple will visit three locations: Washington D.C., New York and Virginia.

The trip coincides with America's celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. King Charles and Queen Camilla will join the American people in marking this significant milestone.

Buckingham Palace has said the visit presents an opportunity to acknowledge the shared heritage between Britain and the United States. It will also highlight the extensive economic, security and cultural bonds that have developed over two and a half centuries.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The Palace emphasised the importance of the deep connections between communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Following the American tour, the King will continue to Bermuda for a Royal Visit from 1st to 2nd May, representing his inaugural trip as Sovereign to a British Overseas Territory.

Upon arrival in the American capital, the King and Queen will receive an informal greeting from President Trump and the First Lady. The two couples will share a private tea together.

Later in the programme, the King and Queen will attend a Garden Party with guests set to represent the many connections linking Britain and America.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the visit "recognises the challenges the United Kingdom, the United States, and our Allies face across the world; this visit is a moment to reaffirm and renew our bilateral ties as we address those challenges together, in the UK's national interest."

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office described the occasion as historic, noting it will "demonstrate the very best of the UK-US relationship that is central to our shared prosperity, security and history."

Officials added that trade between the two nations generates economic growth, technological innovation and millions of jobs.

A formal welcoming ceremony will take place at the White House later during the visit. This official reception will include a ceremonial military review. The military review element reflects the longstanding defence partnership between Britain and America.

The formal White House ceremony represents a significant diplomatic occasion, distinct from the earlier informal tea. It underscores the official nature of the State Visit and the importance both governments place on the relationship.

The King will then hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump. While the two leaders confer, the Queen and First Lady will undertake a separate engagement together.

A highlight of the Washington programme will see the King deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress, with the Queen by his side. This speech will represent only the second occasion in history that a British Monarch has spoken before both houses of the American legislature.

The last such address was given by Queen Elizabeth II during her State Visit in September 1991. In his remarks, the King is expected to acknowledge the challenges confronting both nations.

Speaking before Congress offers the King a platform to address American lawmakers directly. The Palace described this congressional appearance as "a key moment in the visit."

Both Donald Trump and King Charles will deliver remarks at the State Dinner that evening, hosted by the President and the First Lady at the White House.

Prior to departing Washington, the King and Queen will participate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honour those who have fallen in service.

This tribute will commemorate service members from the United States, the United Kingdom and allied nations.

The Foreign Office spokesperson emphasised that "UK-US security, military, and intelligence cooperation keeps our citizens, nations, and allies safe from threat."

The royal couple will spend a day in New York undertaking engagements that reflect the contemporary economic and cultural bonds between Britain and America. Community initiatives aimed at improving lives across the United States will also feature prominently.

A particularly poignant element of the New York programme will see the King and Queen pay tribute to victims of the 9/11 attacks. This commemoration comes ahead of the 25th anniversary of the tragedy later this year.

The King and Queen will meet serving first responders who continue to protect the city. They will also spend time with families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks. The Palace described the 9/11 anniversary as "a poignant moment in our recent shared history."

The King will also visit a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting young people facing food insecurity. This community project uses sustainable urban farming as an after-school programme to mentor children and teenagers.

Meanwhile, the Queen will attend a celebration of literature that honours the shared literary heritage of both nations. The event will mark the centenary of A.A. Milne's beloved character Winnie the Pooh.

Camilla’s charity, The Queen's Reading Room, will host a reception bringing together prominent authors and readers. The gathering aims to champion literature across the Atlantic, uniting the publishing worlds of Britain and America.

The literary celebration reflects the cultural connections that have flourished between the two countries over centuries. Children's literature in particular has crossed borders freely, with British authors finding devoted readerships in America.

The New York programme will conclude with a reception hosted by The King's Trust. This event will celebrate the charity's work in shaping the lives of young Americans across the country.

The reception will also showcase cultural links between the two nations, with particular emphasis on Britain's world-leading creative industries.

The Foreign Office noted that trade between the countries "generates economic growth, technological innovation and millions of jobs for our people."

In Virginia, the royal couple will experience Appalachian cultural traditions through performances by local groups representing the region's distinctive heritage. They will also meet residents and community organisations from the area.

A "block party" will form part of the celebrations marking America's 250th birthday. This festive gathering will allow King Charles and Queen Camilla to join Americans in commemorating the nation's founding.

The King will travel to one of America's National Parks, where he will meet members of an indigenous community. He will also engage with individuals working on conservation projects and environmental protection efforts.

The Queen will undertake a separate engagement at a farm connected to the American horse racing industry.

The Virginia programme combines cultural celebration with environmental awareness, reflecting the King's well-known interest in conservation alongside the commemorative purpose of the State Visit.

Following the conclusion of the American State Visit, the King will travel onwards to Bermuda for a Royal Visit from May 1st to 2nd. This will mark His Majesty's first trip as Sovereign to any British Overseas Territory.

The King last visited Bermuda in an official capacity more than five decades ago. He returns now to engage with communities across the island and celebrate various aspects of Bermudian life.

Upon arrival, King Charles will receive a formal welcome ceremony featuring a Guard of Honour provided by the Royal Bermuda Regiment. A 21-gun salute will accompany the official reception.

The Foreign Office described Bermuda as "the UK's oldest Overseas Territory" and noted the visit will give the King "an opportunity to connect with the younger generation."

Officials stated that the partnership between Britain and Bermuda is "founded on respect, and focused on shared priorities of security, good governance, and resilient growth."

The Bermuda programme will include a focus on biodiversity, with the King meeting young people participating in educational sessions run by the Bermuda Zoological Society.

These classroom activities involve hands-on conservation work to preserve local habitats and restore native species.

In Hamilton, the King will celebrate the island's arts and culture by meeting Bermudians from various creative fields. At the dockside, the King will meet youth organisation representatives and Commonwealth Games athletes preparing for the 2026 Games.

King Charles will formally open the new Great Bay Coast Guard Station, learning about operations to ensure maritime safety and combat illegal activity at sea.

The visit will conclude with a meeting with UK Space Agency representatives discussing plans for a new telescope installation in Bermuda, supporting international efforts to track space debris.