King Charles and Queen Camilla to Make Historic Visit to the White House This Week
National News - President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are preparing to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Washington, D.C. for an official State Visit. The royal couple is set to arrive on Monday, April 27, and will remain through Thursday, April 30, 2026.
This visit marks the first State Visit of President Trump's second term in office. It also comes at a meaningful time, as Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence.
First Lady Melania Trump personally led the planning efforts for the visit. The occasion is meant to honor the long and close relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The visit kicks off Monday afternoon when the President and First Lady will welcome the King and Queen at the South Portico of the White House. The two couples will then gather in the Green Room for tea before heading outside to tour the newly expanded White House Beehive on the South Lawn.
Tuesday morning is when things really get underway. A formal State Arrival Ceremony will be held on the South Lawn, complete with military honors that trace back to 18th century tradition.
The ceremony will feature the United States Army Herald Trumpets, the national anthems of both countries performed by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, and a 21-gun cannon salute from the Presidential Salute Battery. The U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps will also be on hand.
One of the most notable moments of the ceremony will be a Pass in Review featuring 300 U.S. Service Members, with nearly 500 total military personnel from all six branches present.
According to the White House, this is a historic first for any State Visit.
Thousands of guests are expected on the South Lawn. Invited attendees include members of the President's Cabinet, members of Congress, military families, and students from the British International School of Washington.
After the ceremony, the President and King Charles will meet privately in the Oval Office for a bilateral meeting. Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla will take part in a separate educational event at the White House Tennis Pavilion.
That event, held in the spirit of Mrs. Trump's Fostering the Future Together initiative, will bring together American students, including state champions from the Presidential AI Challenge. Students will use virtual reality headsets and AI-enabled glasses to explore the history of the United Kingdom and the Special Relationship between the two nations.
Tuesday evening wraps up with a State Dinner in the East Room. The White House says additional details about the dinner will be shared before the event takes place.
The visit comes to a close on Thursday morning, April 30, when the President and First Lady will say their farewells to the King and Queen at the South Portico in the Diplomatic Reception Room.
The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has long been considered one of the most important partnerships in the world. This State Visit appears to be a strong signal from both sides that the bond remains as solid as ever.
