King Charles III received a formal 21-gun salute at the White House on Tuesday as part of his ongoing state visit to the United States, kicking off a full day of official events that includes a private meeting with President Donald Trump and a state dinner later in the evening.
The ceremony, which included a review of troops, is considered one of the highest honors the US can extend to a visiting head of state. It comes as both countries navigate tensions over trade issues and the ongoing war in Iran, though officials on both sides say the visit is meant to reinforce ties.
Trump delivered prepared remarks during the ceremony, praising the historical relationship between the US and the UK, saying it had sparked a “revolution in human freedom” that was “never, ever extinguished, but carried forward across centuries, across oceans and across history, until it became a fire that lit the entire world.”
The king is expected to meet with Trump behind closed doors in the Oval Office. The meeting comes without a press availability, with only a brief photo opportunity scheduled beforehand. Officials said the limited access was intentional, avoiding any unscripted exchanges.
Later, Charles will address a joint session of Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so, according to the New York Times. His remarks are expected to emphasize long-term cooperation between the two nations.
Tuesday evening will conclude with a formal banquet in the White House State Dining Room, returning the gesture from a dinner Trump attended at Windsor Castle in September. At that event, Trump called the invitation “one of the highest honors of my life,” adding that Charles had for decades “epitomized the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.”
The ceremony, which included a review of troops, is considered one of the highest honors the US can extend to a visiting head of state. It comes as both countries navigate tensions over trade issues and the ongoing war in Iran, though officials on both sides say the visit is meant to reinforce ties.
Trump delivered prepared remarks during the ceremony, praising the historical relationship between the US and the UK, saying it had sparked a “revolution in human freedom” that was “never, ever extinguished, but carried forward across centuries, across oceans and across history, until it became a fire that lit the entire world.”
The king is expected to meet with Trump behind closed doors in the Oval Office. The meeting comes without a press availability, with only a brief photo opportunity scheduled beforehand. Officials said the limited access was intentional, avoiding any unscripted exchanges.
Later, Charles will address a joint session of Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so, according to the New York Times. His remarks are expected to emphasize long-term cooperation between the two nations.
Tuesday evening will conclude with a formal banquet in the White House State Dining Room, returning the gesture from a dinner Trump attended at Windsor Castle in September. At that event, Trump called the invitation “one of the highest honors of my life,” adding that Charles had for decades “epitomized the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.”
