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, 7:59 PM EDT

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive for White House state dinner

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening for a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

The evening's entertainment is set to include musicians from the Marines, Army and Air Force, according to the White House.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomes Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico as they arrive for a state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 28, 2026.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters

The decor is designed to reflect "a shared appreciation for gardens."

"Cherry blossoms greet guests upon entering the Grand Foyer. Inspired by the beauty of English gardens, towering trees and blossoming garden boxes of lilac enhance the splendor of the room," a press release from the White House said.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomes Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico as they arrive for a state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 28, 2026.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters

The first lady wore a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, with off-white Dior suede gloves and Dior silk pumps, according to the first lady's office .

Apr 28, 2026, 4:11 PM EDT

King receives bipartisan applause during speech with no outbursts

The House chamber remained at capacity throughout the king’s remarks. It was not apparent that any lawmakers walked out of the address in protest and there were no protests or outbursts.

Britain's King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Several times, Charles was met with bipartisan praise -- including when he spoke of checks and balances on executive power and when he called for peace in Ukraine.

The king departed the chamber and shook hands with military officials, retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle -- including Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer -- and other rank-and-file House members.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

Apr 28, 2026, 4:05 PM EDT

King urges cooperation amid strained UK-US relationship

Amid tensions between the U.S. and U.K. over the war in Iran and other diplomatic issues, King Charles urged cooperation between the two countries.

"The story of the United Kingdom and the United States is, at its heart, a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership," he said. "From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history.

"I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the commonwealth and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking," he said.

Britain's King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress while Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson listen in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/AP
Apr 28, 2026, 3:50 PM EDT

Charles emphasizes importance of NATO

King Charles emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance as he spoke about how the U.K. answered the call after the terror attacks against the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people," Charles said. "It is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace from the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting icecaps of the Arctic."

Britain's King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/AP

"The commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other's defense, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries," he said.

His comments come amid Trump's criticism of NATO after several allied countries refused to back the U.S. war in Iran.

Sponsored Content by Taboola