King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a formal state visit to the United States from April 27 to 30, 2026, marking the first such visit by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s trip in 2007. The visit, invited by President Donald Trump, coincides with preparations for America’s 250th anniversary of independence and aims to celebrate the historic and modern ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the trip on March 31, 2026, stating that the programme will highlight the close bilateral relationship between the two nations. President Trump announced the exact dates via Truth Social, noting that the royal couple will attend a state banquet dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28.
Accommodation During the Visit
For the official portion of the state visit in Washington, D.C., King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to stay at the White House as guests of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This is standard protocol for visiting heads of state during formal state visits, where the U.S. President hosts the dignitaries on the grounds of the executive mansion. The confirmed White House state banquet reinforces that the primary accommodation and hospitality will be provided there.
Full overnight arrangements have not been publicly detailed beyond the White House events, as Buckingham Palace and the White House typically release precise itineraries closer to the date for security reasons. Any additional stops, such as a reported day trip to New York City, would involve separate high-security arrangements, potentially at official residences or secure hotel facilities, though none have been officially confirmed.
Key Elements of the Itinerary
While a complete schedule is still forthcoming, expected highlights include:
- Arrival at Joint Base Andrews, followed by a ceremonial welcome and procession to the White House.
- Meetings with President Trump.
- An address by King Charles to a joint session of Congress.
- The White House state banquet on April 28.
- Possible engagements in Washington, D.C., and a brief extension to New York.
Following the U.S. visit, King Charles will travel alone to Bermuda from around April 30 to May 2 for his first royal visit as monarch to a British Overseas Territory. Queen Camilla is not expected to join that leg, and no meeting with Prince Harry is planned during the American trip.
The visit comes amid some political commentary regarding U.S.-UK relations and ongoing global events, but both Buckingham Palace and the U.S. administration have emphasized its importance in strengthening diplomatic bonds. Detailed plans may evolve, and the public is advised to monitor official updates from the Royal Family website or the White House for the latest information as the dates approach.
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