King Charles III Begins State Visit to U.S. for 250th Anniversary Events

By Darlene Superville and Jill Lawless

WASHINGTON/LONDON (AP) — King Charles III arrived in Washington on Monday for a four-day state visit marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, as trans-Atlantic relations face discussions over foreign policy differences.

The visit follows a shooting at a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday, which prompted a security review. Buckingham Palace confirmed after the review that the trip would proceed as planned. The palace stated that the king “is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed.”

The itinerary includes events celebrating the U.S.-U.K. relationship, established as a “special relationship” by Winston Churchill during World War II. Prior to the visit, Trump criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to participate in U.S. military actions against Iran, stating that Starmer was “not Winston Churchill.”

Starmer has said the U.K. would not yield to pressure on the matter, citing domestic legal requirements for parliamentary approval before using U.K. bases for such operations.

Trump has described the political differences as separate from the royal visit. In March, he said Charles “has nothing to do with that,” referring to NATO-related matters. Trump has called Charles his “friend” and a “great guy.” He also recalled his “amazing” trip to the U.K. in September with first lady Melania Trump, which included a state visit hosted by the royal family featuring guardsmen, brass bands and a banquet at Windsor Castle.

Starmer delivered the king’s invitation during an Oval Office visit five weeks after Trump’s return to office.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Associated Press: “President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president’s historic visit to the United Kingdom last year. The president looks forward to a special visit by Their Majesties, which will include a beautiful state dinner and multiple events throughout the week.”

Trump told the BBC that the king’s visit could “absolutely” contribute to improving trans-Atlantic ties. “He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes,” Trump said.

Kristofer Allerfeldt, a University of Exeter professor specializing in American history, described differing emphases for the trip. For Charles, it involves “reinforcing long-term ties, showcasing the monarchy’s soft power and reminding the world that Britain still carries diplomatic weight.” For Trump, Allerfeldt said, it is “more about a media event,” with focus on the visual presentation.

Some U.K. politicians have expressed concerns about potential challenges during the visit. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats — a centrist opposition party — called in early April for canceling the trip, describing Trump as “a dangerous and corrupt gangster.” Davey said in the House of Commons: “I really fear for what Trump might say or do while our king is forced to stand by his side. We cannot put His Majesty in that position.”

Starmer defended the visit, stating that “the monarchy, through the bonds that it builds, is often able to reach through the decades” and strengthen key relationships.

The visit occurs amid attention to King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. He has been stripped of his royal title, removed from public duties and is under police investigation related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while facing sex-trafficking charges. Andrew has denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Victims of Epstein have called on Charles to meet with them and other survivors of sexual abuse during the trip. No such meetings are scheduled.

This marks Charles’ first state visit to the U.S. as king since succeeding Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. He has visited the country 19 times previously. Elizabeth made four state visits to the U.S.

Charles, 77, who disclosed a cancer diagnosis in early 2024 without specifying the type, is accompanied by Queen Camilla. Their schedule in Washington includes a private tea with the Trumps, a garden party, a formal White House state dinner and a one-on-one meeting between the president and the king.

The royal couple will also travel to New York to visit the Sept. 11 memorial and to Virginia for a 250th anniversary “block party,” where Charles will meet Indigenous leaders focused on nature conservation, aligning with his environmental interests.

Three centuries after British monarchs relinquished direct political authority, the royals serve as symbols of soft power. Governments deploy them to foster international relations and highlight priorities.

A highlight is Charles’ address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday — only the second by a U.K. monarch, following Elizabeth’s in 1991. During her speech, Elizabeth praised liberalism, rejected the notion that “power grows from the barrel of a gun” and highlighted the “rich ethnic and cultural diversity of both our societies.”

Charles’ priorities, such as environmental protection and interfaith harmony, differ from some of Trump’s positions. Allerfeldt noted that Charles might convey messages subtly in his address. “He does have an unorthodox way of looking at the world, and I think maybe he can actually have something valid to say when he addresses Congress,” Allerfeldt said.

The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from Britain in 1776, under King George III, Charles’ ancestor 250 years prior. Two and a half centuries later, the event underscores enduring ties despite historical shifts.

Security remains a focus following Saturday’s incident, but officials confirmed no changes to plans.

Jill Lawless reported from London.

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