King Charles proceeds with U.S. visit despite White House security scare

Europe 27-04-2026 | 09:15

King Charles proceeds with U.S. visit despite White House security scare

A planned royal tour moves forward under tight security after a shooting near a high-profile Washington event raises fresh concerns—but officials on both sides of the Atlantic signal confidence and continuity.
King Charles proceeds with U.S. visit despite White House security scare
King Charles. (Archive)
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Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that King Charles’ state visit to the United States will proceed as planned, following discussions with American officials, despite the shooting incident at a dinner attended by President Donald Trump.

 

King Charles and his wife Camilla are scheduled to arrive in the United States on Monday for a four-day visit, but questions arose after a man opened fire on security personnel near the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, prompting Secret Service agents to swiftly escort Trump from the venue.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said that Trump and officials in his administration were likely targets in the shooting incident.

 

He pointed out that he is confident King Charles will be safe during his visit to the United States this week.

 

The visit includes a private meeting with Trump and a speech before Congress to mark the 250th anniversary of United States independence, aiming to strengthen Anglo-American relations, which are strained amid tensions surrounding the war in Iran.

 

 

King Charles (Archive).
King Charles (Archive).

 

 

Anticipation for the visit

 

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, “After discussions on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the day, and on government advice, we can confirm that Their Majesties’ official visit will proceed as planned.”

 

He added, “The King and his consort are extremely grateful to all those who worked quickly to ensure this could happen, and they look forward to starting the visit on Monday.”

 

A palace source stated that there might be minor adjustments to one or two events.

 

Earlier, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that King Charles was greatly relieved to learn that Trump, his wife Melania, and all dinner guests were unharmed, adding that he is being fully briefed on the situation.

 

A palace source reported that Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have privately reached out to Trump and Melania to express their support.

 

In an earlier statement, Darren Jones, the UK’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, said the government continues to work closely with security services in the United States ahead of King Charles’ visit, with intensive discussions set to continue in the coming days.

 

Responding to a question about the incident, Jones told Sky News, “Regarding His Majesty’s visit to the United States this week... it is clear that our security services are working in close cooperation in preparation.”