King Charles III, Queen Camilla conclude US state visit

Charles and Camilla visited two states and Washington, D.C., over four days.

Last Updated: April 30, 2026, 5:38 PM EDT

King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their first-ever state visit to the United States on Thursday, wrapping up a whirlwind four days that took them to Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia. 

The royals' visit took place amid significant strains between the U.K. and the U.S. over the war in Iran. It also happened under the shadow of Charles' brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connection to the ongoing Epstein scandal.

Charles took Washington by storm, delivering a rare joint address to Congress and garnering good cheer with his toast at a White House state dinner. In New York City, the king and queen mixed with celebrities and locals alike before traveling to Virginia to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Scroll below to see how the visit unfolded.

Apr 28, 2026, 11:39 AM EDT

Trump pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth

In his speech on the South Lawn, President Trump took a moment to remember Queen Elizabeth II, who he called "an incredible woman who I had the privilege of getting to know."

King Charles III and President Donald Trump on day two of the State Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States of America, on April 28, 2026 in Washington.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Trump was received by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace during a state visit in 2019, during his first term.

Trump said the late monarch was a "very special woman who is very greatly missed on both sides of that mighty Atlantic."

Apr 28, 2026, 11:31 AM EDT

Military flyover takes place over White House

President Trump, King Charles, first lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla observed the military flyover from the balcony of the White House.

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch a fly over during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, April 28, 2026, in Washington.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Next, they are expected to go into the White House Blue Room, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will sign the White House guest book and exchange gifts with the president and first lady.

President Donald Trump salutes as he, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla watch a pass in review during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Apr 28, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT

Trump: 'Americans have had no closer friends than the British'

Amid diplomatic tension between the U.S. and the U.K. over the war in Iran, President Trump spoke about the "special relationship" between the two nations.

"In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British," Trump said. "We share that same root. We speak the same language, we hold the same values, and together, our warriors have defended the same extraordinary civilization under twin banners of red, white and blue."

President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III attend a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock
Apr 28, 2026, 11:12 AM EDT

Trump delivers remarks

President Donald Trump speaks as First lady Melania Trump and King Charles III listen during a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, April 28, 2026 in Washington
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

"What a beautiful British day this is," President Trump said as he kicked off remarks with thousands of guests gathered outside the White House South Lawn on a rainy morning in Washington.

The royals' state visit is to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.

"Honoring the British king might seem an ironic beginning to our celebration of 250 years of American independence, but in fact, no tribute could be more appropriate," Trump said. "Long before Americans had a nation or a Constitution, we first had a culture, a character and a creed."

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