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King Charles III visit live updates: Charles meets with top business leaders

King Charles met with congressional leaders earlier Tuesday.

ByMason Leib, Alexandra Hutzler, and Katie Kindelan via GMA logo
Last Updated: April 29, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making their first-ever state visit to the U.S., visiting Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia. 

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

The king and queen were feted at the White House on Tuesday with a traditional military arrival ceremony and a state dinner. Charles also delivered a rare joint address to Congress, where he emphasized the historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. and praised NATO.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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."

Apr 28, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT

Trump, Charles inspect the troops

President Trump and King Charles are now reviewing the troops gathered at the White House, after performances by the U.S. Marine Band of "God Save the King" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."

President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III review the troops during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Henry Nicholls/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III review the troops during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Apr 28, 2026, 10:55 AM EDT

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive for ceremonial welcome at White House

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the South Portico of the White House for a formal state arrival ceremony. They are being greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

Notable officials are gathered on the White House South Lawn in rainy weather for the ceremony that will include a review of the troops, remarks by Trump and more.

Queen Camila, King Charles III, President Donald Trump, and First lady Melania Trump pose during a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, April 28, 2026 in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Apr 28, 2026, 10:09 AM EDT

Strained US-UK alliance in spotlight amid state visit

U.S. and British flags, and pins are prepared on a chair ahead of the arrival ceremony at the White House for Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla amid their state visit to the U.S., in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Matt Mcclain/Reuters

President Trump is hosting King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House as the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom is under a microscope amid the war with Iran.

While Trump has repeatedly praised King Charles as a "friend" whom he's known for years, his relationship with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been another story. The president has repeatedly assailed the U.K. and other NATO allies over the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.

Trump said the visit from the king -- the U.K.'s constitutional and ceremonial head of state -- may help restore any damaged ties between the two allies.

"Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes," Trump told the BBC in a phone interview when asked if the visit could help repair the relationship.

Read more here.

-ABC News' Nicholas Kerr

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