King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to arrive in Washington, DC, today (Monday, April 27) for a four-day state visit, with the aim of marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and attempting to ease tensions between the United Kingdom and the United States. The royal couple will be greeted at the White House by President Donald Trump, who has called the visit a “momentous occasion” and plans to host a banquet in their honor.

This marks the first trip to the US by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2007.

However, the visit comes at a time of strained US-UK relations, mainly due to disagreements over the ongoing war in Iran. President Trump has publicly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to provide military support to the US, threatening to impose tariffs and calling Starmer “no Winston Churchill.” These disputes have led to calls from some British lawmakers, including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, to cancel the royal visit, arguing that it could be seen as rewarding President Trump’s approach.

Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Starmer has emphasized the importance of the trip, saying, “The monarchy is an important reminder of the long-standing bonds and enduring relationship between our two countries which are far greater than anyone who occupies any particular office at any particular time.” Buckingham Palace also stressed the visit as “an opportunity to recognize the shared history of our two Nations.”

Royal sources told the BBC that the trip is considered “high risk, high stakes and high opportunity” given the political backdrop. The itinerary includes a private tea with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, a ceremonial welcome at the White House, and a state dinner. King Charles is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday (April 28), becoming only the second British monarch to do so. The trip will also take the royals to New York for a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and to Virginia to meet Appalachian and Indigenous communities.

The visit is also shadowed by other issues, including public protests and calls for the royals to address the ongoing controversy involving the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite the political and personal challenges, officials from both sides hope that the royal presence can help mend ties and reinforce the historic partnership.