The state visit of King Charles III to the United States will proceed as planned, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday, despite a shooting incident at a Washington media gala.
The incident occurred late Saturday during the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association, just days before the King and Queen Camilla are due to begin their four-day visit.
In a statement, the palace said the King was “greatly relieved” that Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other attendees were unharmed. It added that the royal couple was looking forward to the visit, following swift efforts by security agencies to ensure safety.
“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,” the statement read.
UK officials also confirmed that security coordination between British and American authorities has been intensified. Senior minister Darren Jones noted that both countries were working closely to ensure adequate protection throughout the visit.
Reports indicate that the King and Queen privately reached out to the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected by the shooting and appreciation for the swift response of security services. President Trump disclosed that a law enforcement officer was shot at close range but is not critically injured.
The visit, which coincides with celebrations marking 250 years of American independence, will see the royal couple travel to Washington and New York. King Charles is expected to address the US Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The itinerary also includes a state dinner and a meeting with the US President and First Lady.
However, the visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing crisis involving Iran and concerns over global energy supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump on Sunday, expressing relief over the safety of those at the event and wishing the injured officer a speedy recovery.
According to Downing Street, both leaders also discussed the urgent need to restore shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz due to its significant impact on the global economy and cost of living.
Despite the security concerns and political tensions, the visit is expected to reinforce the longstanding diplomatic and historical ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.
