April 27, 2026, 9:03 a.m. ET
LONDON, United Kingdom — The British are coming.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making their first state visit to the U.S. from Monday, April 27, to Thursday, April 30, with garden parties, a state dinner and a New York minute all in the royal diary.
Americans will be glued to the monarchs’ tour across Washington, DC, New York City and Virginia, which marks the first royal visit since 2007, when Queen Elizabeth II was hosted by former President George W. Bush. His mother had a unique relationship with the White House and made three other state visits to the U.S. during her reign: in 1957, 1976, 1991. Charles also has visited the U.S. 19 times as Prince of Wales, according to Buckingham Palace.
The king’s latest trip marks America’s 250th birthday, and will be a symbolic celebration of the United Kingdom’s special relationship with the U.S.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the royals’ schedule for their trip across the pond, according to statements from the White House and Buckingham Palace.
Day 1: April 27
The King and Queen have a packed first day in the nation’s capital. They will join President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House before touring the newly unveiled and expanded White House beehive on the South Lawn near the Kitchen Garden.
Later on Monday, the monarchs will attend a Garden Party with a roster of guests. And don’t expect typical English tea party decorum: Guests at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington DC are discouraged from wearing hats.
Day 2: April 28
On Tuesday, while Trump and King Charles hold a bilateral meeting, Melania Trump and Queen Camilla are scheduled to lead a separate educational event with students at the White House Tennis Pavilion.
The king is also set on Tuesday to address a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill, marking only the second time a British monarch has done so. His mother spoke at the Capitol in 1991.
He will speak to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at a time when the long-held alliance between theU.K. and U.S. faces challenges, including the war in Iran by the U.S. and a global strain on oil supply and tensions over NATO, as well as the importance of the military alliance and perceived lack of support from other member countries for U.S. operations.
The evening will be highlighted by a state dinner featuring notable guests and much pomp and circumstance.
Day 3: April 29
The king and queen head to New York City, where Charles and Camilla will visit the 9/11 Memorial at One World Trade Center. The monarchs will meet with families of victims and first responders involved in the attacks.
Day 4: April 30
The king is celebrating his appreciation for environmental causes while in the U.S. He wraps up his trip with a visit to Virginia, where he will see a national park and attend community events and cultural performances.
From there, the monarchs will travel to Bermuda, which is part of the U.K. Commonwealth.
Contributing: Anthony Thompson
