By Holly Williams
April 25, 2026 / CBS News
King Charles will travel to the United States beginning Monday to help mark America’s 250th anniversary. The trip, his first since his coronation nearly three years ago, is intended to “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States,” Buckingham Palace said. But it arrives at a time when relations between the U.S., the U.K. and broader Europe face notable strains.
For decades the U.S. and U.K. have described their partnership as the “special relationship” Winston Churchill invoked. Former President Trump visited the U.K. in September, taking part in a carriage procession with the king, inspecting troops and attending a state banquet. More recently, Trump has stirred tensions by criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his response to the war in Iran and by dismissing the U.K.’s two new aircraft carriers as “toys.”
As a constitutional monarch, Charles does not make government policy, but the monarchy’s ceremonial role carries diplomatic weight. Palace officials say the king will use the visit to try to ease frictions and emphasize shared history and ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The trip does carry potential pitfalls. Some U.S. lawmakers have demanded that Charles’s brother, Prince Andrew, testify before Congress about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein — a prospect that could embarrass the royal family during events in Washington.
Officials say Charles and Queen Camilla will be in the United States from Monday through Thursday. The king is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress, attend a White House state banquet, and the couple are scheduled to visit New York City.
Haley Ott contributed to this report.