Aysu Bicer
27 April 2026•Update: 27 April 2026
UK’s ambassador to the US has called the upcoming royal visit an effort to “renew and revitalize a unique friendship” between Britain and the US, despite heightened security concerns in Washington.
Christian Turner said the four-day state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla would go ahead largely as planned, following talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Trump said King Charles will “be very safe” during his state visit to the US, as heightened security concerns follow an incident involving a gunman at an event attended by the US president in Washington, DC.
Speaking to CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump said the White House grounds were “really safe”, adding: “I think it’s great, he’ll be very safe… this area of not very many acres is really safe.”
The visit is due to begin later on Monday, where they will be welcomed by Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
Security discussions intensified after the shooting on Saturday, during which a secret service agent was lightly injured and Trump was rushed to safety.
However, the visit comes at a difficult moment in relations. Trump has criticized Starmer over his stance on the US-Israeli war with Iran, while disagreements persist between the allies.
Criticism has also come from opposition figures.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the visit to be cancelled, describing Trump as an “unreliable” ally.
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski said he “feels sorry” for the king, arguing the UK should take “a sterner line.”
The diplomatic center piece will be the king’s address to Congress, where he is expected to strike a delicate balance between government policy and maintaining cordial relations with the US president.
