King Charles III is set to undertake a state visit to the United States in late April. The primary purpose of the trip is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence and underscore the strong relationship between the U.K. and the U.S.

Royal Visit Proceeds Despite Political Controversy

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday that the King and Queen Camilla will make the journey to the U.S. next month. Former President Donald Trump indicated the intended dates for the visit are April 27th through April 30th.

Trump expressed his anticipation on Truth Social, stating, “I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!” This planned event follows a period where the U.S.-U.K. “special relationship” faced strain.

Tensions Surrounding U.S. Military Actions

The visit is proceeding despite recent friction between the nations. Trump has publicly criticized the U.K. for denying U.S. aircraft access to British bases for offensive operations targeting Iran.

In a pointed post, Trump suggested that nations facing fuel restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz should “build up some delayed courage, go the Strait and just TAKE IT.” He has also recently disparaged Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming he is “not Winston Churchill.”

Calls for Cancellation from Opposition

These tensions led some Members of Parliament to urge Prime Minister Starmer to call off the state visit. Critics argued the trip risked embarrassing the King during a period of diplomatic strain.

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized the decision on Tuesday. He stated that Starmer showed “a staggering lack of backbone” by allowing the visit to continue. Davey called the decision “a humiliation” given Trump’s previous remarks dismissing the Royal Navy as “toys.”

The Diplomatic Context of State Visits

State visits are initiated by the elected government to utilize the formal ceremony to strengthen international ties. The decision by Starmer’s administration to move forward may be an attempt to de-escalate recent tensions, or at least avoid worsening them.

Background of the Invitation

The visit was originally set in motion after Prime Minister Starmer traveled to Washington in February 2025, just five weeks into Trump’s second term. Starmer personally delivered the King’s invitation to the President.

This gesture was historic; it marked the first time any world leader received the honor of a second state visit from the U.S. Trump proudly showed the media a personal letter from the King, noting, “It’s a great, great honor.”

Trump previously hosted the King at Windsor Castle last year, receiving a grand welcome including a military band and a banquet adorned with flowers and gold leaf. Charles has visited the U.S. 19 times, but this will be his inaugural state visit as monarch.

Additional Travel Plans

In conjunction with the U.S. trip, King Charles will also travel to Bermuda. This will mark his first visit to the overseas territory since ascending to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II previously made four state visits to the United States during her reign.