Live

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

King Charles met with congressional leaders earlier Tuesday.

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.

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."

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

Sponsored Content by Taboola