King Charles III begins state visit to United States

King Charles III of the United Kingdom, accompanied by Queen Camilla, has begun a four-day state visit to the United States, in what is seen as a reciprocal gesture following two state visits by US President Donald Trump in 2019 and 2025.

The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence from Britain and is expected to feature elaborate ceremonial events and symbolically significant engagements, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Charles III is set to become the first British monarch in 25 years to address the US Congress at the Capitol.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022), was the first British sovereign to do so in 1991 during her 13-day state visit.

During her reign, Elizabeth II made four state visits to the United States — in 1957, 1976, 1991, and 2007.

As Prince of Wales, Charles visited the US 19 times.

The royal delegation is expected to stay at Blair House, the official guest residence of US presidents located opposite the White House, which has hosted visiting heads of state and their delegations since 1942.

The visit will begin with a tea meeting with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Guests invited to a planned garden reception in Washington were reportedly advised that “hats are not encouraged,” in contrast to similar events at Buckingham Palace.

A state dinner will be held under a “white tie” dress code, the most formal evening attire.

The monarch is also expected to visit New York to honour the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. The itinerary includes a visit to Native American settlements in the state of Virginia.

The visit is taking place under heightened security measures. Buckingham Palace had not ruled out possible adjustments to the program following an incident at a White House press reception on April 25. The matter was discussed between Washington and London on April 26, but officials later confirmed the visit would proceed “as planned.”

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov