King Charles and Queen Camilla Are Making an Official State Visit to the U.S.—Here's the Itinerary
On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla touch down in Washington DC to kick off a much-anticipated, four-day state visit, hosted by President Donald Trump. Though Trump and the king have had previous opportunities to connect in person—who can forget the time Trump left Charles waiting for tea?—this will be the first time the wannabe king has hosted the actual reigning monarch of the UK on his home turf.A “state visit” is an official, public visit between the heads of two sovereign nations. Though such meetings between rulers have been happening for centuries, they have been formalized in the modern era, and contemporary state visits usually follow a predictable pattern. Expect military processions, a major banquet, visits to the legislature, and opportunities for the visiting dignitaries to see the other nation’s citizens.The king and queen are coming to America for a four-day trip.ArrowThough King Charles doesn’t have a political role in running the UK’s government, he is the head of state there, with a suite of ceremonial and advisory duties alongside the head of government, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. When the Founders designed the American Constitution, they intentionally vested both of those roles—head of government and head of state—in the same individual, the president. Charles’s timing makes the benefits of separating those roles more obvious.This visit is taking place as the War in Iran strains the “special relationship” between the governments of Britain and the United States. But while Starmer has recently slammed Trump for the economic damage caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the president’s legendary fondness for the king is undiminished. In a recent interview with the BBC, Trump said King Charles could help repair the ties between the US and the UK. “I know him well, I’ve known him for years,” he said. “He’s a brave man, and he’s a great man."Here’s a look at the king and queen’s plans for their historic visit to America:Monday, April 27Upon their arrival in Washington, the king and queen will attend a private tea with the president and First Lady Melania Trump before going to a garden party. (According to The Times, “hats are not encouraged” for this event.)Tuesday, April 28On Tuesday, the king is planning to give an address to Congress. Following British political tradition, the king does not express his own independent views, so the speech he delivers will most likely be written by the British Embassy. A British monarch hasn’t addressed Congress since May of 1991, when Queen Elizabeth gave an address on the need for a united front after the end of the Cold War.Later that evening, Trump will host a white-tie dinner. Because it is not an official banquet, the queen won’t be breaking out a tiara for the engagement, but she is sure to wear other pieces of heirloom jewelry.
