Donald Trump welcomed King Charles III to the White House on Monday, marking the start of a high-profile state visit overshadowed by strained transatlantic relations and a fresh alleged assassination attempt against the US leader.
While cameras captured smiles and handshakes between Trump and Charles outside the White House South Portico, the broader diplomatic atmosphere told a more complicated story, as tensions continue to grow between Washington and London over the US stance on Iran.
Standing beside the president, Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla warmly, exchanging cheek kisses. Camilla appeared in a Cartier brooch symbolising both the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting the historic ties between the two nations.
Trump, known for his admiration of the British royal family, later guided the monarch indoors, briefly placing a hand on his arm as they moved out of public view. The royal couple is being hosted for tea, followed by a private tour of the White House grounds, including its recently redesigned beehives.
The four-day visit was initially planned to celebrate 250 years since American independence from Britain, tracing back to the reign of King George III.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the visit would “honor the long-standing and special relationship.”
However, behind the ceremonial displays lies a growing diplomatic divide. Charles, 77, is navigating a delicate mission after Trump, 79, openly criticised the UK’s refusal to back Washington’s position in the Iran conflict.
The visit is also taking place under heightened security following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner over the weekend. A suspect accused of attempting to assassinate the president appeared in court on Monday, adding further tension to an already tightly controlled schedule.
Earlier, the royal delegation arrived at Joint Base Andrews, where they were welcomed by children presenting flowers on the red carpet.
Events lined up for the visit include a meeting at the Oval Office and a formal state dinner on Tuesday. Charles is also expected to make history by addressing the US Congress — the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The itinerary continues with a trip to New York, including a visit to the 9/11 memorial, before the king proceeds to Bermuda later in the week.
Despite the ceremonial significance, the visit has stirred debate. Trump has repeatedly criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to the war, as well as his domestic policies.
The US president went as far as to describe Starmer as “no Churchill” — referencing Winston Churchill, who famously coined the phrase “special relationship.”
Although Starmer has voiced concerns about the war, he has defended the visit. Still, public opinion in Britain remains divided, with a recent poll showing nearly half of respondents support cancelling the trip.
Trump, however, believes the monarch’s presence could ease tensions, saying, “He represents his nation like nobody else can do it.”
For Charles, the visit also carries personal weight as he continues treatment for cancer. Observers say his diplomatic experience may prove crucial in navigating the sensitive political climate.
Royal expert Craig Prescott noted that the king is “generally very good” at handling such situations, suggesting he may subtly address the conflict — described as the “very big elephant in the room” — during his speech to Congress.
Meanwhile, lingering controversies linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have also cast a shadow over the visit. The issue has previously drawn attention to the relationship between Epstein and Charles’s brother, Prince Andrew, adding another layer of sensitivity to the royal tour.