LONDON — The state visit by Britain's King Charles III to the United States will proceed as scheduled, Buckingham Palace announced on Sunday, following a shooting incident at a Washington media gala.
The event took place late Saturday at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association, less than 48 hours before King Charles and Queen Camilla were set to begin a four-day state visit to the US.
The palace stated that King Charles was "greatly relieved" that President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other guests were unharmed. Later on Sunday, it confirmed the trip would continue as planned.
"The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow," the palace said.
Senior UK minister Darren Jones told British broadcasters that security teams in both countries were "working closely to ensure the security arrangements are put appropriately in place" for the state visit. It is understood that the royal couple privately reached out to the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected and gratitude to security services for preventing further harm.
President Trump reported that one law enforcement officer was shot at close range but appeared not to be critically injured.
During the four-day state visit, organized to honor the historic relationship between Britain and the US as America marks 250 years of independence, Charles and Camilla will visit Washington and New York. King Charles will become the first British monarch to address Congress since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991. The royal couple will also have tea with President and Mrs. Trump and attend a state dinner.
Tensions Amid the Visit
The visit occurs against a backdrop of transatlantic tensions over the Iran war and the lingering shadow of the Epstein scandal. President Trump has repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to the war, as well as his government's immigration and energy policies.
On Sunday, Starmer spoke with Trump by phone, extending his best wishes following the shocking events at the dinner. According to Downing Street, Starmer expressed relief that the President and First Lady were safe and wished a speedy recovery to the injured officer. The two leaders also discussed the urgent need to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living.
