US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump receive King Charles III. and Queen Camilla on the balcony of the White House in Washington.Image: keystone
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on a four-day state visit to the USA. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump received the royal couple in the White House – in the afternoon, Charles will become only the second British monarch to speak before Congress.
April 28, 2026, 8:16 p.mApril 28, 2026, 8:16 p.m
King Charles III and US President Donald Trump in conversation.Image: keystone
The visit began on Monday: Charles and Camilla were initially welcomed informally by the Trumps at the White House for tea before the royal couple took part in a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington. The official part followed on Tuesday.
Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump at the official welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.Image: keystone
Ceremony on the South Lawn
Shortly before 11 a.m. Washington time, the royals were welcomed with a ceremonial cannon salute. As the American national anthem played, Melania put her hand over Trump’s heart and Trump gave a salute while the king and queen stood with their arms at their sides. All four then watched military aircraft fly over from the balcony.
American fighter jets fly during the welcoming ceremony for King Charles III. about the White House.Image: keystone
In his speech on the South Lawn, Trump praised the relationship between the two countries. He recalled the meeting between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt that outlined the vision for the free world after World War II and described it as the essence of the “special relationship” between the US and Britain. He also remembered Queen Elizabeth II, whom he described as a “very, very special woman” who will be “greatly missed on both sides of the mighty Atlantic.”
King Charles III listens to President Donald Trump during the welcoming ceremony.Image: keystone
Meeting in the Oval Office
Shortly before 12 noon Washington time, the King and President entered the Oval Office together. The Queen and the First Lady then separately attended a meeting with students. After the bilateral conversation, Trump drew a positive conclusion: He told reporters that he had a “really good meeting” with the king.
King Charles III and US President Donald Trump during bilateral talks in the Oval Office.Image: keystone
Speech to Congress
In the afternoon, Washington time, Charles will become only the second British monarch ever to address a joint session of Congress – the last time was his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991. His approximately 20-minute speech is intended to emphasize the shared history and democratic values of both countries. Charles wants to explain that although the USA and Great Britain do not always agree, they have “always found ways to come together”. He is also expected to discuss the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday – the royals then contacted the Trumps by phone to express their dismay.
King Charles III with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the US Capitol in Washington.Image: keystone
Visit under tension
Relations between the USA and Great Britain have been strained since the start of the war with Iran: Trump criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not offering significant military support from London. London hopes that Trump’s affection for the British royal family and Charles’ diplomatic skills can help ease tensions, at least temporarily.
The Epstein affair casts a further shadow: Democrat Ro Khanna held a meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network parallel to the royal visit. Their families had requested direct contact with Charles – in view of the allegations against his brother Prince Andrew. Charles declined such a meeting, but is expected to mention the survivors in his convention speech. (mke)