King Charles and Queen Camilla have begun a four-day state visit to the United States, the first by a British monarch since 2007. They were welcomed at Andrews military airbase in Maryland before meeting President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, amid heightened security following a recent shooting incident in Washington.

During the visit, the King will address the United States Congress, where he is expected to express sympathy over the recent attack and call for unity in defending democratic values. He will stress the importance of reconciliation and renewal in the partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States, urging both nations to stand together in support of tolerance, liberty and equality.

The speech is also expected to highlight cooperation through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and support for Ukraine, emphasising the longstanding transatlantic alliance. The visit, conducted on behalf of the United Kingdom government, is seen as an effort to strengthen ties during a period of diplomatic strain and as the United States marks 250 years since its independence.

Alongside formal engagements, the royal couple attended a garden party at the British embassy celebrating shared achievements in areas such as science and conservation. While there had been calls to meet survivors connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, the Queen will instead meet organisations campaigning against violence against women, citing legal sensitivities.