King Charles, Trump toast to shared history at White House state dinner

Charles presents Trump bell to president

James Powel

Charles presented Trump with the original bell from the World War II-era submarine HMS Trump during his toast.

"Should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring,” the king said.

The submarine fought in the Pacific theater of the war, though its name is unrelated to the president, according to the BBC. Charles said the gift was a recognition of the "shining future" of the special relationship and Buckingham Palace told the BBC in a statement before the speech that it was a "symbol of friendship to mark this renewal."

King Charles jokes about Trump's past comments in state dinner toast

James Powel

The king sprinkled some humor in his state dinner toast, including referencing a comment made by President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum earlier this year.

While speaking to world leaders in Davos in January, Trump had said that without the U.S. during World War II, European countries "would all be speaking German and a little Japanese."

“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” King Charles said during the state dinner Tuesday.

“Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French," the king said, referencing British support during the French and Indian War.

The war was a theater of hostilities between the British and French that ran from the late 17th century through much of the 18th century, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The war settled the claim over large swaths of colonial territory in North America in Britain's favor.

Trump mentions Democrats, Iran war in toast to the king

Rebecca Morin

President Donald Trump kicked off the state dinner with a toast to King Charles, and the United States’ strong relationship with the United Kingdom.

“History has known no more powerful force than the combination of American patriotism and British pride,” Trump said.

The president praised King Charles’ speech to a joint address to Congress, even joking that His Majesty's words were able to get Democrats to stand up.

“I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress,” Trump said. “He got the Democrats to stand, and I've never been able to do so. I couldn't believe it … They liked him more than they've ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually.”

While Trump mostly stuck to his prepared remarks, the president did have several asides. He praised Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish professional golfer who won the Masters Tournament back-to-back in 2025 and 2026.

Trump also touched on the Iran war, a point of contention between the two countries as the United Kingdom has declined to get involved in the war. Trump said during his toast that Charles agreed that Iran should not be able to have a nuclear weapon.

“We're doing a little Middle East work right now. We're doing very well. We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we're never going to let that opponent ever – Charles agrees with me even more than I do – we're never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Queen Camilla opts for bold fuchsia, dazzling necklace

KiMi Robinson

For her state dinner attire, Queen Camilla turned to one of her favorite couture designers in the U.K., Fiona Clare.

The fuchsia-colored floor-length gown features long sleeves, a modest V-neck and a sparkly top portion that includes some stars in the embroidery.

While she decided to forgo a headpiece, Camilla's jewelry was similarly bold as the queen consort paired the look with an amethyst and diamond necklace, as well as matching earrings, that were gifted by a former Duchess of Kent to Queen Victoria and then passed to Queen Mary, Buckingham Palace confirmed to the White House press pool.

Golfer Rory McIlroy, Patriots owner Robert Kraft among guests at state dinner

Joey Garrison

Golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft are among the guests at Tuesday night's state dinner with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Not surprisingly, several White House officials, Trump Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers are also in attendance, according to a list of guests provided by the first lady’s office.

The six Supreme Court justices who make up the conservative bloc are also on the guest list: Chief Justice John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. The three liberal-leaning justices are not in attendance.

From the tech world, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google, are each at the dinner.

The guest list also includes multiple Fox News personalities ‒ Bret Baier, Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham ‒ as well as David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, which acquired CBS News.

Melania Trump dons pink Christian Dior gown for state dinner

KiMi Robinson

A day after Camilla touched down in the U.S. wearing a pale pink Dior coat dress, the first lady donned her own blush pink, strapless, floor-length Dior gown to receive the royals for a state dinner at the White House.

The dress was Christian Dior haute couture, according to White House press pool reporting. Melania Trump paired the outfit with off-white suede Dior gloves that went up to her biceps. Rounding out the outfit was pale delphinium silk pumps that matched her dress.

State dinner menu features fish and beehive-shaped gâteau

Joey Garrison

The White House plans to serve King Charles, Queen Camilla and other guests dover sole meunière ‒ a premium French fish dish ‒ as the main course of Tuesday's royal state dinner followed by a chocolate gâteau shaped like a beehive for dessert.

The first lady's office released details of the menu for the historic state dinner, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET and marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The first course of the meal features a garden vegetable velouté, hearts of palm salad, toasted shallots and micro mint.

For the second course, guests will be served spring herbed ravioli that includes ricotta cheese, morels and parmesan emulsion.

The third course is dover sole meunière accompanied by potato pavé, spring ramps, snow peas and parsley oil.

The dessert is a beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with a smooth vanilla bean crémeux custard, set inside with an almond joconde. The beehive will be accompanied by crème fraîche ice cream and honey made at the White House.

The three wines served at the dinner are intended to celebrate the "strength of American winemaking," according to the first lady's office. They are a Hopkins Riesling “Heritage” 2024, Hopkins Vineyards; the Penner-Ash Pinot Noir “Willamette Valley” 2022, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars; and the Newton Chardonnay “Unfiltered” 2022, Newton Vineyard.

Tables for the guests feature green table linens and are set with 250 pieces of vermeil from the White House collection, in addition to hand-crafted ceramics by distinguished American artisans, including Ben Wolff. Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer. The evening entertainment includes performances by United States military musicians.

Photos of Charles show changes to Oval Office

James Powel

A pair of photos shows how King Charles and the White House have changed over a quarter-century.

A photo from Charles' visit in 1970, then as the Prince of Wales, shows him in the sparse Oval Office of President Richard Nixon. The photo contrasts against the images from the 2026 bilateral meeting held in the same room, showing the maximalist and gold-heavy decor of Trump's Oval Office.

Royals arrive to the White House for state dinner

Rebecca Morin

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening for the state dinner.

President Donald Trump, wearing a tuxedo with a white-tie tailcoat, and first lady Melania Trump, dressed in a blush pink gown, greeted Charles, also in white-tie attire, with a handshake. Camila, who was wearing a fuschia colored gown, was greeted by Melania Trump with a kiss on each cheek.

While standing for photos, the president commented on the king’s speech to Congress.

“He made a great speech. I was very jealous,” Trump said.

Britain marks America's 250th birthday with custom coin

Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Britain has presented the United States with a large, custom-made coin to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence ahead of America's 250th birthday.

The oversized gift was presented on April 28 in Washington, DC, during King Charles III and Queen Camilla's four‑day state visit to the United States.

“This 250th anniversary is an historic moment in America’s story. What began in conflict two hundred and fifty years ago has become the closest partnership in history, built on shared values and pointed firmly towards a shared future,” His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner, said in a press release.

According to the British Embassy in Washington DC, the coin, which was made by The Royal Mint, measures some 190 millimeters (7.48 inches) in diameter and weighs 250 ounces (15.6 pounds).

King meets with tech leaders including Bezos and Cook

Joey Garrison

King Charles III met with some of the United States' most powerful tech business leaders on Tuesday, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Reporters were given less than 10 minutes of the meeting, which took place in a room inside the Blair House, across the street from the White House.

Also in attendance were NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google.

Some of the tech leaders discussed investments their companies have made in Great Britain. The king brought up guardrails he believes are needed amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

Charles had a colorful exchange with Bezos as he asked the Amazon founder when he founded the company. "I started in '95. Thirty years ago," Bezos said. "We raised $1 million from 22 investors, $50,000 at a time, and they got 20% of the company. There were 40 that said 'no,' so I had to take 60 meetings to get 22 'yesses.'"

"And all those 40 are kicking themselves," King Charles replied, prompting laughter in the room.

"Some of them can't speak," Huang said. "They never recovered."

What to expect from royal state dinner

Joey Garrison

All the pageantry of the royal visit will be on display Tuesday night as the king and queen join the first couple for a state dinner.

The dinner is set to take place at 8 p.m. ET in the White House East Room, which can hold about 200 guests. Trump has often argued that the ballroom he is planning for the east wing of the White House is necessary to hold more guests at banquets like the one he is hosting for the royal couple.

While the White House has yet to reveal what will be served at the dinner, those details are expected later.

Trump held two state dinners during his first term: One for leaders of Australia and another for France. The state dinner with Great Britain marks the second of his current term after hosting leaders of Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Melania Trump's signature hat makes a statement during royal visit

Taijuan Moorman

Melania Trump has turned an infamous fashion choice into a signature look.

The first lady matched with Queen Consort Camilla in all white during Camilla and King Charles' appearance on the White House's South Lawn on Day 2 of their state visit, Tuesday, April 28.

But it was the first lady's hat that stole the show, a wide-brimmed straw hat from her go-to hat designer, Eric Javits. She wore the hat with a two-piece Ralph Lauren set and Manolo heels. The queen consort wore an off-white, long-sleeved dress, sporting a Cullinan V Brooch courtesy of Queen Mary, per Women's Wear Daily, and her own wide-brimmed tilt hat.

The hat was a familiar look for Melania Trump, who wore a polarizing black Eric Javits hat at President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration.

In Congress, king's speech landed smoothly

Zachary Schermele

On the heels of a frightening shooting over the weekend, the royal address seemed to bring Washington together in a moment of relative unity at a time when it was needed.

The king's speech was full of jokes that landed well inside the room. And the event went off without a security hitch, which was likely reassuring to members of Congress shaken by Saturday night's press dinner incident.

But there were notable signs of division between Republicans and Democrats – and of a changing U.S. In their applause and standing ovations, Democrats were clearly more supportive than many Republicans of King Charles' remarks stressing the importance of the NATO alliance and protecting the environment. When the king talked about his Christian faith, GOP lawmakers were rowdier than Democrats, many of whom offered just tepid applause.

King speaks to Congress for 28 minutes

Zac Anderson

King Charles ended his 28-minute address to Congress by calling on the United States and the United Kingdom to "rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world."

The king and queen then made their way out of the House chamber, shaking hands with lawmakers and other dignitaries.

King Charles III calls for 'selfless service' to 'all the peoples of the world'

Bart Jansen

King Charles III concluded by saying words carry great weight and meaning, but actions in the “selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world” matter even more.

He cited President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to say that the world will little note nor long remember what we say, but will never forget what we do.

“And so, to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world,” the king said.

King Charles III promotes trade to empower both countries

Bart Jansen

King Charles III promoted trade between the countries at a time when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs worldwide to reduce trade deficits.

The king highlighted $430 billion in annual trade that continues to grow and $1.7 trillion in mutual investment that fuels innovation. He said the countries are leading research in nuclear fusion, quantum computer, artificial intelligence and drug discovery.

“Our ties in education, research, and cultural exchange empower citizens and future leaders of both countries,” he said.

Joint defense programs make UK, US safer: King Charles III

Bart Jansen

King Charles III said the United Kingdom and United States participate in joint defense programs not because of an emotional attachment but because it makes the countries safer together.

Thousands of U.S. servicemembers are stationed in the United Kingdom. The countries are building F-35 fighter jets – a foursome of which flew over the king’s arrival at the White House – together. And the countries have “the most ambitious submarine program in history” in partnership with Australia.

“We do not embark on these remarkable endeavors together out of sentiment,” the king said. “We do so because they build greater shared resilience for the future, so making our citizens safer for generations to come.”

King Charles III calls for mutual defense of Ukraine against Russia

Bart Jansen

At a time when President Donald Trump has criticized NATO and halted U.S. aid to Ukraine, King Charles III called for continued support for mutual defense.

The king noted that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which Trump has criticized for inaction during the Iran war, invoked its joint defense provision for the first time to fight terrorism after the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. He plans to honor the casualties during a visit to New York this week.

“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people," he said before being interrupted by applause. "It is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace."

Trump has criticized European countries for spending too little on self-defense. But the United Kingdom has committed to the biggest increase in defense spending since the Cold War because, according to the king, the era is “in many ways more volatile and more dangerous” than when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to Congress in 1991, he said.

“The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone,” he said. “But in this unpredictable environment, our alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure.”

Calls for checks on president get ovations from Democrats and Republicans

Zachary Schermele

Democrats were quick to their feet, hooting and hollering, when King Charles said that one of the foundations of American democracy is "the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances."

Republicans clapped and gave a standing ovation, too, but the response was more tepid.

Lawmakers hold up cell phones to take pictures of King Charles III

Bart Jansen

Lawmakers gave King Charles III a thunderous standing ovation before his speech to a joint meeting of Congress.

A number of lawmakers held up cell phones like fans at a music concert to take a picture of him in the historic setting.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had last addressed Congress in 1991.

King Charles III prays to stop 'beating ploughshares into swords'

Bart Jansen

King Charles III was repeatedly interrupted by applause as he voiced support as a Christian for interfaith relationships at a time when the United States and Israel are at war with Iran in the Middle East.

“Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith relationships and greater understanding, it is that faith in the triumph of light over darkness which I have found confirmed countless times,” the king said to applause. “It is why it is my hope – my prayer – that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of ploughshares into swords.”

The king said the Easter season strengthens his hope.

"It is why I believe, with all my heart, that the essence of our two Nations is a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value all people, of all faiths, and of none," he said to applause.

UK, US partnership was born of dispute but is stronger for it: King Charles III

Bart Jansen

King Charles III said the two countries could agree that they do not always agree, as when the first Congress protested taxation without representation as a colony in the English government.

But the king said despite the fundamental disagreement between the countries, the United States inherited its democratic values from the United Kingdom.

“Ours is a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it,” he said.

King Charles III jokes about holding a lawmaker 'hostage' during the speech

Bart Jansen

King Charles III joked that when he speaks to Parliament, lawmakers send a “hostage” to Buckingham Palace until he is safely returned.

He asked House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, whether any U.S. lawmakers would like to volunteer for what has become a cushier assignment.

“These days, we look after our ‘guest’ rather well – to the point that they often do not want to leave!” the king said to laughter. “I don’t know, Mr. Speaker, if there were any volunteers for that role here today?”

King Charles III expresses 'highest regard and friendship' between UK and US

Bart Jansen

King Charles III noted that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was given the same “signal honor” to speak under the watchful eye of the State of Freedom about the shared ideals of both countries.

“Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States,” the king said.

'Violence will never succeed,' King Charles III said of WHCA shooting

Bart Jansen

King Charles III noted his speech was in the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association on April 25, but said that “violence will never succeed.”

He noted the gunman “sought to harm the leadership of your nation and to foment wider fear and discord.”

“Let me say with unshakeable resolve: Such acts of violence will never succeed,” the king said to applause. “Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries.”

King Charles III jokes that UK and US have everything in common but language

Bart Jansen

King Charles III opened his speech to a joint meeting of Congress with a joke about how intertwined the two countries remain 250 years after the United States declared its independence.

“And for all of that time, our destinies as Nations have been interlinked,” the king said. “As Oscar Wilde said, ‘We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language!'" he said to laughter.

Retired SCOTUS justice attends speech

Zachary Schermele

Stephen Breyer, the former Bill Clinton-appointed Supreme Court justice who retired in 2022, attended the king's speech. None of the current members of the high court was there. Breyer is married to Joanna Freda Hare, a psychologist and member of the British aristocracy. He was seated next to Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Melania Trump hosts 'incredible' virtual reality exhibit about history for students

Bart Jansen

First lady Melania Trump hosted an education program with Queen Camilla at the White House’s tennis pavilion, where students learned about British and American history through virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools.

A reporter asked how she was doing after the shooting at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on April 25. "Very well, thank you," she said.

The students visited Snowdonia, the Giant’s Causeway, Stonehenge and the exterior of Buckingham Palace through the Meta Quest headsets.

The students also explored U.S. artifacts from the White House and National Archives such as a portrait of President John Adams, the first ambassador to the United Kingdom; a World War II map prepared for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and a bronze bust of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

"Our children don’t need to board airplanes to experience history anymore. Kids can have an educational experience that is fundamentally richer and more memorable than ever before, through VR and AI," Melania Trump said in a statement.

One student handed Melania Trump a pair of Meta Ray-Bans, which she tried on. "Incredible," she said.

Trump calls King Charles III a 'fantastic person' after 'really good meeting'

Bart Jansen and Francesca Chambers

A group of reporters unexpectedly ran into President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump as the couple was escorting King Charles and Queen Camilla out of the Oval Office and to their waiting car on the south driveway at 12:34 p.m.

The president and first lady waved goodbye to the royals, and the president spoke briefly, in response to a question about how the meeting went.

"It was a really good meeting. And he’s a fantastic person," Trump said. "They are incredible people. A real honor."

King Charles to emphasize shared values with US in speech to Congress

Bart Jansen

The main theme of King Charles' speech to a joint meeting of Congress is to defend and reaffirm the shared democratic values of the two countries to create security and prosperity, a Buckingham Palace official told reporters traveling with the king.

The king is expected to mention the shooting at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on April 25 in the speech expected to last about 20 minutes.

The speech comes at a time of tension between the countries over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, for which the U.K. has refused to participate, NATO that defends Europe, and the Russian war against Ukraine. He is expected to touch on each conflict.

But the king is expected to express the highest regard and friendship between the two countries on the 250th anniversary year of independence, creating what the palace called one of the greatest alliances in human history.

Charles is expected to talk about the defense, intelligence and security ties the countries have shared for decades. He will also talk about trade and technology deals between the countries while emphasizing the importance of protecting nature’s own economy.

Trumps, royal couple exchange gifts

Joey Garrison

The Trumps exchanged gifts on Tuesday with King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark the historic royal visit.

In the White House Blue Room, the king presented the president with a framed copy of the 1879 design plans for the Resolute Desk, the president's desk in the Oval Office that was built from timbers of the British exploration ship H.M.S. Resolute, according to Buckingham Palace. Camilla gifted first lady Melania Trump a brooch from British jewelry designer Fiona Rae.

Trump presented Charles with a custom copy of a letter written by President John Adams to John Jay in 1785. At the time, Adams was the first U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. In the letter, Adams described King George III welcoming him as a fellow statesman despite their countries previously being enemies.

The first lady gave Camilla six Tiffany English king sterling silver teaspoons as well as honey produced on the White House grounds.

Trump's welcome ceremony for King Charles capped with F-35 flyover

Bart Jansen

After Trump’s speech, the president and King Charles climbed the exterior stairs to the South Portico balcony to watch a military parade on the grounds below.

The two men, who were flanked by their wives, chatted during the parade, which was capped with a flyover of four F-35 military jets.

Supreme Court justices to attend King Charles' speech

Karissa Waddick

An array of American dignitaries, including the justices on the Supreme Court, members of Congress and high-ranking military officials, are expected to attend King Charles' 3 p.m. ET address to Congress, on official with knowledge of the address said.

Trump memorializes Queen Elizabeth II as 'an incredible woman'

Bart Jansen

Trump memorialized King Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as "an incredible woman" who planted a tree on the White House grounds that reflected the enduring bond between the two countries.

"Queen Elizabeth II, a very, very special woman, who is very greatly missed on both sides of that mighty Atlantic, long ago planted a young tree," Trump said of the linden tree planted May 14, 1991, on the South Lawn. "It was a very young and beautiful tree and look at it now. It has tripled in size and tripled in strength."

Trump said the countries share the same roots, laid with British hands in American soil.

"This morning it reminds us that the mightiest of trees, like the greatest of nations, must be anchored by the strongest and deepest of roots. In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British," Trump said. "We share that same roots, we speak the same language, we hold the same values and together our warriors have defended the same extraordinary civilization under twin banners of red, white and blue."

Will Trump attend King Charles' speech to Congress?

Karissa Waddick

Trump said he thought about attending King Charles' speech to Congress this afternoon, but decided against it because it would violate British protocol.

Trump jokes about his marriage not lasting as long as his parents'

Zac Anderson

Reflecting on his mother’s Scottish heritage, Trump talked about his parents’ 63-year marriage and then joked that his own marriage with first lady Melania Trump wouldn’t last as long.

"That’s a record we won’t be able to match, darling," Trump said. "I’m sorry, just not going to work out that way. We’ll do well, but we’re not going to do that well – 63 years."

The president and first lady were married in 2005. Trump is 79.

What about that handshake? Trump's greeting goes viral

Kathryn Palmer

The U.S. president is known for his unique greeting style − specifically, long, sometimes tug-of-war-type handshakes with everyone from members of Congress to world leaders.

There was the one last year between Trump and France's President Emmanuel Macron, which lasted a full 15 seconds. Before that, there was the infamously long 19-second-long handshake with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2017.

Now, Britain's King Charles is the latest global figure to get the Trump handshake treatment. Video of the pair's initial greeting at the White House on Monday is circulating online, showing the president firmly grasping hands with the monarch, and giving a few characteristic tugs. That one lasted roughly 10 seconds.

Trump welcomes Charles on 'beautiful British day'

Bart Jansen

Trump welcomed King Charles to the White House with a nod to his nationality – and the spotty rain.

"What a beautiful British day this is," he said to laughter on a soggy South Lawn.

21 gun salute

Zac Anderson and Francesca Chambers

Trump and King Charles walked together around the White House South Lawn, passing guests and troops standing at attention.

Gun smoke filled the air over the South Lawn after a 21 gun salute and hung in the air as those with seats near the front of the ceremony were instructed to sit down.

After a moment, the marine band began playing John Phillips Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

What will King Charles talk about in his speech to Congress?

Karissa Waddick

King Charles’ speech to Congress is expected to last between 30 and 40 minutes, an official with knowledge of the address said.

In it, the king is expected to discuss the United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States over the last 250 years and how the two nations have worked together to achievements in science, economics, innovation, international security and other fields.

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive

Zac Anderson

Trump and first lady Melania Trump walked onto the red carpet outside the White House at 10:54 a.m. ET to great King Charles and Queen Camilla, who arrived in a black limousine.

The two couples, the first lady and queen both in white with wide-brimmed hats and the men in suits, stood at attention while music played and both country’s flags waved before walking onto the stage for the ceremony.

British delegation begins to arrive

Zac Anderson and Francesca Chambers

A van carrying members of the British delegation arrived at the White House shortly after 10:30 a.m. ET as top members of the Trump administration stood ready to greet them.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others shook hands with the arriving guests.

Large British and American flags, held by honor guard members, are lining the stairs of the White House that lead up from the residential entrance to the Truman balcony. Guests are holding miniature British and American flags.

The crowd includes top business leaders, including Apple’s Tim Cook and NVIDIA's Jensen Huang.

Do Americans still love the British royals?

Karissa Waddick

King Charles and Queen Camilla hopped off the plane at Joint Base Andrews Monday to party in the USA. They’re here to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence from the British monarchy.

In the centuries since colonists waged war against the crown, American’s attitudes toward the royals have shifted from hatred to adoration. From eating hot dogs in Hyde Park to dancing with a Hollywood heartthrob, the royals have endeared themselves to the American people.

Recent scandals and drama with the royal family, however, have prompted fresh questions about whether they still play that unifying role and this royal visit could mark a new shift in Americans' perceptions.

Trump jokes about Buckingham Palace move-in

Kathryn Palmer

In a post to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of a British tabloid headline suggesting he and King Charles are distantly related.

"Wow, that’s nice," Trump wrote in the post, shared shortly before the king and queen were set to arrive at the White House. "I’ve always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!! I’ll talk to the King and Queen about this in a few minutes!!!"

The Daily Mail article claims the two world leaders and septuagenarians share a British ancestor, making the two very, very distant cousins. USA TODAY has not independently verified this lineage.

A very British weather welcome

Francesca Chambers

The rain followed the Brits across the pond: A light downpour has begun on the South Lawn of the White House, where a grand arrival ceremony has begun ahead of the royal visit. Umbrellas are dotting the viewing area as a Marine band entertains guests.

Will King Charles see Prince Harry during the US trip?

Taijuan Moorman

While King Charles III makes his voyage to the United States, don't expect any family reunions.

Prince Harry, 41 – who has made recent trips to Australia with Duchess Meghan, and solo to Ukraine – now lives in California with his wife and their children, following their infamous step back from the monarchy.

And while this is the king's first visit to his son's new home country since the rift, the four-day work trip isn't a personal one. Charles, 77, is in the U.S. to help build relations with President Donald Trump, after the president and first lady Melania Trump visited the king and Queen Camilla in Britain last September.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020 due to media intrusion and racist coverage, eventually taking residence in Canada and, later, California, with their two children – Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Royal commentators and insiders have continued to report on the rift between Harry, his wife and his relatives – especially since the release of Harry's memoir, "Spare" – suggesting Prince William is the holdout for reconciliation.

That became more evident in September, when Harry visited Charles amid the king's cancer diagnosis. During that trip, Harry did not see William.

Harry has made comments about claims he's "not a working royal," telling ITV in an April 24 interview that he "will always be part of the royal family." And in 2025, Harry told the BBC that he "would love a reconciliation" and wanted to end the rift, given he does "not know how much longer my father has."

What time will King Charles address Congress?

Kathryn Palmer

The British monarch will deliver his speech to a joint session of Congress at 3 p.m. ET.

USA TODAY will stream the address, and provide live updates throughout.

When was the last time a British monarch addressed Congress?

Kathryn Palmer

The king's speech to Congress today is incredibly rare. In all of U.S. history, a reigning British monarch has only ever done it one other time, and that was more than 30 years ago.

On May 16, 1991, Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered a speech to a joint meeting of Congress. The chambers were packed as the queen spoke of the two nations' historic alliance and special relationship. The United States had been recently embroiled in conflict in the Persian Gulf − the Gulf War had just ended with a ceasefire agreement a few months before the queen's speech. The U.S.-led coalition involved over 50,000 members of the British Armed Forces.

"I know that the servicemen and servicewomen of Britain, and of all the members of the coalition, were proud to act in a just cause alongside their American comrades," the queen said, speaking of Operation Desert Storm.

Now, several decades later, Charles will deliver his speech amid a backdrop of another U.S.-led war in the Middle East and Gulf region, which has led to a fracture between the U.K. government and Trump administration.

Trump, King Charles to hold Oval Office meeting

Karissa Waddick

Trump is scheduled to sit down with King Charles Tuesday for a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office, breaking from the televised meeting style that has come to define the president’s visits with foreign leaders during his first year back in office.

The meeting between the two dignitaries will won’t include a livestreamed news conference like those the president has hosted with other international figures.

The reason, an official with knowledge of the meeting plans said, is because King Charles is a head of state, rather than a head of government. He holds a largely ceremonial role. The king doesn’t dictate policy in the United Kingdom and rarely publicly comments on government affairs.

What will King Charles say in his speech to Congress?

Suzanne Plunkett and Jacob Bogage

The king’s speech to Congress will last about 20 minutes, a palace source told Reuters. While written on the advice of the British government, much of the language and tone come from Charles himself, the source added.

The king will note that while the United Kingdom and the United States have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, "time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together."

He will also say that by defending their shared democratic values, the two countries can promote security and prosperity for the world. Charles will refer to their partnership as "one of the greatest alliances in human history."

What is the royal visit's Tuesday schedule?

Nicole Fallert and Thao Nguyen

Charles and Camilla have a packed four-day state visit to the United States from Monday to Thursday. The visit includes garden parties, a state dinner and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial at One World Trade Center.

On Tuesday, while Trump and Charles hold a bilateral meeting, the first lady and the queen are scheduled to lead a separate educational event with students at the White House Tennis Pavilion.

The king is also scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill. He will address U.S. lawmakers at a moment when the long-standing U.K.-U.S. alliance faces challenges, including the war in Iran and tensions over NATO and military burden-sharing.

The evening will be highlighted by a state dinner featuring notable guests and much pomp and circumstance.

Recapping Day 1 of Charles and Camilla's visit

Thao Nguyen

After landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at about 2:30 p.m. local time on Monday, the royals attended a brief arrival ceremony before heading to the White House.

The pair were greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump before moving inside for a private tea. The Trumps later showed off the White House's new beehive to the royal couple.

The king and queen ended their first day with a garden party at the British ambassador’s recently renovated residence in Washington, DC, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems. Charles and Camilla mingled with officials such as Sen. Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and ambassadors from other countries, according to Reuters.