By Holly Williams
April 25, 2026 / CBS News
Britain’s King Charles will travel to the United States starting Monday to mark America’s 250th anniversary — his first trip since his coronation nearly three years ago. Buckingham Palace says the visit “will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.” But it comes as ties between the U.S. and Europe are under strain.
For decades the U.S. and U.K. have enjoyed the “special relationship” Winston Churchill described. President Trump visited the U.K. in September, taking part in a carriage ride with the king, inspecting troops and attending a state banquet. Recently, however, Mr. Trump has provoked friction by criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his handling of the Iran war and by dismissing the U.K.’s two aircraft carriers as “toys.”
As a constitutional monarch, Charles does not set government policy, but the royals’ ceremonial role carries diplomatic influence. The king will aim to smooth tensions and underscore shared history and cooperation.
There are risks. Some U.S. lawmakers have demanded that Charles’s brother Andrew — formerly Prince Andrew — testify before Congress about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a development that could embarrass the royal family during the Washington visit.
Officials say Charles and Queen Camilla will be in the U.S. from Monday through Thursday. Charles is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress, attend a White House banquet, and the couple are scheduled to visit New York City.
Haley Ott contributed to this report.
