King Charles III is confirmed to proceed with a state visit to the United States next month. This ceremonial trip will occur even as political figures call for its cancellation amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Iran.

The Royal Visit Amid Geopolitical Strain

Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to travel to the U.S. in late April. The primary purpose of the visit is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

President Donald Trump confirmed the dates for the visit as April 27-30. He expressed his anticipation on Truth Social, stating, “I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”

Criticism Over Iran War Stance

The decision to proceed comes despite President Trump repeatedly criticizing the British government. Trump has taken issue with the U.K.’s failure to fully support his administration’s actions regarding the war in Iran.

Specifically, Trump has chided the U.K. for refusing to permit U.S. aircraft to utilize British bases for offensive operations against Iran. He has also publicly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, once stating the Prime Minister was “not Winston Churchill.”

Political Backlash in the U.K.

These tensions have spurred some members of Parliament to demand that Prime Minister Starmer cancel the state visit. Critics argue the visit would cause embarrassment for the King during a period of strained relations between the two nations.

Ed Davey, the leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, voiced strong opposition on Tuesday. He claimed Starmer displayed a “staggering lack of backbone” by allowing the visit to continue.

Davey further stated, “To send the king on a state visit to the U.S. after Trump dismissed our Royal Navy as toys is a humiliation and a sign of a government too weak to stand up to bullies.” He questioned what further action from Trump would prompt the government to cancel.

The Purpose of State Visits

State visits are hosted by the monarch at the request of the elected government. These events are traditionally used to strengthen diplomatic ties between nations.

The decision to move forward may signal an attempt by Starmer’s government to de-escalate the tensions caused by the war, or at least avoid exacerbating them.

Background of U.S.-U.K. Relations

The upcoming trip follows President Trump’s own state visit to the U.K. in September. That occasion was viewed as an effort to reinforce the “special relationship” as Trump’s “America First” policies challenged the existing global framework.

Trump is known to hold the royal family in high regard, having enjoyed his September visit to Windsor Castle. During that visit, the King hosted a grand banquet for the President.

The current state visit was initiated when Prime Minister Starmer traveled to Washington in February 2025, only five weeks into Trump’s second term. Starmer personally delivered King Charles’s invitation to the President.

This invitation marked the first time any world leader received a second state visit from the U.S. Trump proudly displayed the personal letter from the King, noting it was a “great, great honor” that included an invitation to Windsor Castle.

King Charles’s Travel Itinerary

While King Charles has visited the U.S. 19 times previously, this will be his inaugural state visit since ascending to the throne. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made four state visits to the U.S. during her reign.

In addition to the U.S., the King will also travel to Bermuda in conjunction with this trip. This will mark his first visit to the overseas territory as monarch.