State Visit to the United States

Day One

Monday 27th April 

Their Majesties arrived in Washington, beginning a State Visit to America in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, The King and Queen were received by the Chief of Protocol of the United States, Ambassador Monica Crowley, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner. 

Their Majesties were presented with posies from children of British military families based in the US, before being greeted by diplomatic, federal and state representatives, including senior members of the British Embassy in Washington and representatives of the United States Government. 

Their Majesties proceeded through an honour cordon formed by US military personnel. The United States military band played the national anthems of the United Kingdom and the United States.

At the White House South Portico, The King and Queen were greeted by the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, and the First Lady, Melania Trump, before moving inside for tea. 

While at the White House, Their Majesties, together with the President and First Lady, visited the White House beehives. 

Formally established in 2009, the beekeeping programme supports the pollination of nearby gardens while serving as an enduring feature of the White House grounds. 

The First Lady recently unveiled a newly installed beehive on the South Lawn, crafted in the shape of the White House and housing two new bee colonies, which Their Majesties viewed. 

At a garden party hosted at the British Ambassador's Residence, The King and Queen met guests representing the wide-ranging and historic connections between the United States and the United Kingdom. 

The Ambassador's Residence first hosted a garden party for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in June 1939. 

Before joining guests, Their Majesties viewed a time capsule created to mark America's 250th anniversary celebrations this year. The capsule will be twinned with another, which was placed under the statue of George Washington in Trafalgar Square, London, last June to commence the UK/US America 250 celebrations. 

The King and Queen had the opportunity to include a commemorative coin, created by Royal Mint for the occasion. The capsule also includes a proclamation from His Majesty and essays written by local Washington school children. It will be placed under the Washington Monument on the capital city's National Mall later this year, to one day be reopened on the occasion of America's quincentennial anniversary. 

In the garden, Their Majesties joined over 600 guests from politics, science and sustainability to charities tackling domestic abuse, community organisations and the creative industries across the US. 

Day Two

Tuesday 28th April 

The King and Queen have carried out a series of engagements in Washington, D.C., including a Ceremonial Welcome at the White House, an address to a Joint Meeting of Congress, meetings with technology leaders, and a State Dinner hosted by the President and First Lady.

Ceremonial Welcome at the White House

Their Majesties were formally welcomed to the United States with a military ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House — the highest diplomatic honour extended by the United States to a visiting Head of State.

Following introductions to the official delegations of both nations, The King and Queen joined the President and First Lady for a 21-gun salute, the playing of national anthems, and an inspection of the troops by His Majesty and the President.

The ceremony featured representatives from all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, including a historic first appearance by the United States Space Force Honor Guard at a White House event.

Ahead of the formal proceedings, more than 200 performers took part in a pre-ceremony display, including the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the United States Navy Band, the United States Air Force Band, and the United States Navy Sea Chanters.

The United States Marine Band performed the national anthems and accompanied the troop inspection, concluding with Stars and Stripes Forever.

At the close of the ceremony, Their Majesties and the President and First Lady observed a “Pass in Review” from the South Portico balcony, involving nearly 500 members of the US Armed Forces.

Addressing the Joint Meeting of Congress

The King addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress, becoming only the second British Monarch to do so, following Queen Elizabeth II’s address at the Capitol in 1991.

In his speech, The King spoke of the shared history and values of the UK and the US, and thanked all Americans who had welcomed him during his visit. 

The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.

Before entering the chamber, The King met the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Johnson, and congressional leaders.

Their Majesties were escorted into the chamber by a bipartisan committee of Members of Congress. The King was welcomed at the podium by the Speaker of the House and the Vice President of the United States before delivering his address.

The King meets representatives from the technology sector

The King joined a meeting of chief executives from the technology industry in both the UK and the US, showcasing the UK as a leading destination for global tech investment. 

The UK is Europe's largest tech ecosystem, valued at $1.2 trillion. The Tech Prosperity Deal was signed during President Trump's State Visit to the UK in September 2025 and was supported by £31 billion in US technology investment to the UK.

The King and Queen attend a State Dinner hosted by the President and First Lady

The King and Queen returned to the White House to attend a State Dinner hosted by the President and First Lady. In the Blue Room, Their Majesties met the 120 dinner guests before entering the East Room where the State Dinner was held. The President and The King both made remarks and gave a toast at the start of the dinner. 

Day Three

Wednesday 29th April

The King and Queen travelled to New York, where they undertook engagements honouring remembrance, celebrating community and culture, and strengthening the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Honouring lives lost on 9/11

The King and Queen visited the National September 11 Memorial to mark 25 years since the attacks on the original World Trade Center. It was Their Majesties’ first visit to the memorial, a place dedicated to remembrance, reflection and education.

They laid flowers beside one of the memorial pools in tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks of 2001, those affected by the tragedy, and the victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. A moment of quiet reflection followed.

Their Majesties met families of victims, first responders involved in the rescue efforts, and serving personnel, hearing first-hand about the lasting legacy of the attacks. They also met elected officials from New York and New Jersey, as well as representatives from across the Commonwealth, recognising those who lost their lives throughout the Commonwealth family.

Before departing, The King and Queen met charities and organisations supporting families of victims and preserving the legacy of 9/11 for future generations, including Tuesday’s Children and representatives of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden.

Bringing nature to the city

The King visited Harlem Grown, a community organisation and after-school initiative transforming unused urban spaces into sustainable farms while tackling health, education and wellbeing challenges for children and families in Upper Manhattan.

Founded from a single site on 134th Street, Harlem Grown had expanded into a network of fourteen locations.

His Majesty met founder Tony Hilliery, staff and young ambassadors, learning about the organisation’s mission to provide healthy food, safe spaces and opportunities for local communities.

The King also saw children taking part in agricultural activities, including planting, irrigation and food education. He learned about innovative hydroponic growing methods, viewed the organisation’s “walls of lettuce”, and joined children feeding chickens at the on-site coop.

A celebration of literature at New York Public Library

The Queen visited the New York Public Library, one of the world’s great cultural institutions, where she attended a reception hosted by The Queen’s Reading Room.

Bringing together guests from the literary, publishing and cultural worlds of both the UK and US, the event followed an earlier panel discussion featuring leading authors. Her Majesty delivered remarks before meeting attendees.

The Queen also met representatives from domestic violence charities and public agencies supporting survivors and their families, hearing more about their vital work.

Joined by Chief Librarian Brian Bannon and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Her Majesty viewed a special selection from the library’s collections celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and the shared history of the transatlantic relationship.

The visit concluded in the library’s Treasures Collection, where The Queen read an excerpt from Winnie-the-Pooh to local schoolchildren, joined by Jim Cummings, the celebrated voice of Winnie the Pooh.

Before departing, Her Majesty presented the library with a replacement Roo doll, restoring the beloved collection of original Winnie-the-Pooh characters.

Greater Together Reception

Their Majesties’ visit to New York concluded at the Greater Together Reception, held in partnership with The King’s Trust.

Hosted at Christie’s, the reception celebrated the United Kingdom’s cultural impact in New York through the arts, sport and community initiatives, including the work of King’s Trust America supporting young people into employment.

The King and Queen viewed a curated display showcasing the UK-US relationship through digital, physical and holographic works from organisations including BAFTA, the British Fashion Council, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Their Majesties also met King’s Trust Global Ambassadors, young people who had taken part in employment and enterprise programmes, and guests from the worlds of arts, culture and philanthropy.

The evening concluded with remarks from King's Trust Global Ambassador, Lionel Richie, followed by The King.

Day Four

Thursday 30th April

On the final day of the State Visit, The King and Queen brought their time in Washington DC to a close with a formal farewell to the President and First Lady in the White House’s Diplomatic Reception Room—an occasion that marked both an ending and a reaffirmation of the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Honouring the Fallen at Arlington

From the White House, Their Majesties travelled to Arlington National Cemetery.

Against the backdrop of military ceremony - including a 21-gun salute and the playing of both national anthems - The King and Queen approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of the United States’ most sacred memorials. The King laid a wreath; The Queen followed with a posy. A military band played as silence fell across the site, offering a moment to remember those who have given their lives in service.

The visit echoed a moment from history - Queen Elizabeth II’s own tribute here in 1957 - and underscored the deep-rooted military ties between the UK and the US.

Their Majesties also spent time within the cemetery’s exhibition spaces, meeting service personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth, and pausing at the Canadian Cross of Sacrifice, a reminder of the shared sacrifices made long before America formally entered the First World War.

A Celebration of Community in Virginia

Later, in the small town of Front Royal, Virginia,The King and Queen stepped into a vibrant community celebration.

Main Street was alive with marching bands, cheerleaders and vintage cars, as residents gathered for a traditional American “block party” marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Their Majesties joined locals at a potluck table—a symbol of shared community—offering a British dish alongside the contributions of neighbours and families.

Moving through the town square, they met a wide cross-section of the community: young people, volunteers, first responders and local charities. The celebration also shone a light on regional heritage, with bluegrass music and Appalachian dancing bringing to life traditions shaped by centuries of history.

The Queen Highlights Horseracing and Welfare

Meanwhile, The Queen visited Smitten Farm, where her focus turned to the world of horseracing and equine welfare.

Meeting breeders, veterinarians and industry leaders, Her Majesty learned about the work being undertaken to improve safety and standards across the sport. From young foals to retired racehorses beginning new roles, the visit highlighted both the tradition and the evolving responsibility at the heart of the industry.

The King visits Shenandoah National Park

At Shenandoah National Park, one of America's 63 national parks, The King heard about the importance of the National Park system and the work of Rangers and visitors to protect their natural environments and wildlife for future generations. His Majesty spoke to staff members about their education programmes, including the Junior Ranger programme, and joined a 'swearing in ceremony' for a group of Junior Rangers.

The King also met members of the Monacan Indian Nation, whose ancestral lands covered much of Western Virginia. With approximately 2,000 registered members, the Monacan Indian Nation is one of the only a few tribes in America that occupies land in their ancestral homeland.