Britain’s King Charles III’s planned state visit to the United States will proceed as scheduled, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday, despite a shooting incident at a Washington media gala that raised security concerns.
The incident occurred late Saturday during the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association, just two days before the King and Queen Camilla were due to begin their four-day visit to the US.
Buckingham Palace said the monarch was “greatly relieved” that US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other guests were unharmed. It later 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.
UK officials have also moved to reassure the public over security preparations. Senior minister Darren Jones said British and US security teams were “working closely to ensure the security arrangements are put appropriately in place” for the visit.
Reports indicate the King and Queen privately contacted the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected and appreciation for security personnel who prevented further harm. Donald Trump said a law enforcement officer was shot at close range but was not critically injured.
The visit, which marks historic ties between the UK and US as America approaches 250 years of independence, will see Charles and Camilla travel to Washington and New York over four days.
During the trip, King Charles is expected to become the first British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 to address the US Congress. The royal couple will also attend a state dinner and have tea with the Trumps.
However, the visit comes amid wider diplomatic tensions, including disagreements over the Iran conflict and the lingering controversy surrounding the Epstein scandal.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump by phone on Sunday, extending what Downing Street described as “best wishes… following the shocking scenes at last night’s White House Correspondents Dinner.”
Starmer also expressed relief that both the President and First Lady were safe and wished the injured officer a speedy recovery.
According to Downing Street, the leaders also discussed “the urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living for people in the UK and globally.”
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