A State Visit to the US by King Charles and Queen Camilla has been earmarked for 2026 as the UK government attempts to capitalise on Donald Trump’s affection for the Royal Family.
It’s understood that very early discussions are underway on both sides of the Atlantic and the new UK Ambassador in Washington, Lord Peter Mandelson has been tasked with making it happen.
Whilst Downing Street is keen to get the ball rolling as soon as possible, it’s thought a visit this year will not be possible – as royal staff try to manage the competing demands on the King’s diary.
It means Spring 2026 is now looking like the most likely date for a Royal Tour to North America, which could take in both Canada and the United States.
Next year will mark the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence in 1776.
A Semiquincentennial Commission has been set up to arrange the largest anniversary celebrations in US history.
In a bizarre twist, those commemorations could include a visit from the Monarch of the country from which America won its hard fought fight for independence.
King Charles is a descendant of George III – often referred to as the last ‘King of America’ and the target of much ridicule in the hit musical Hamilton.
Charles’ great-grandmother Queen Mary (wife of George V) was the great granddaughter of King George III.
Historical comparisons aside, a visit by the King and Queen would delight Trump, who’s made no secret of his admiration of, and respect for, the British Royal Family.
Much of that passion comes from his mother, Mary Anne, who was born in Scotland and, despite moving to the US, was always fascinated by Queen Elizabeth.
President Trump spoke about his respect for the Royals during his first phone conversation with Keir Starmer after taking office.
Given the uncertainty around trade tariffs and the UK’s position outside the EU, the prime minister believes the Royal Family could be a real asset when it comes to smoothing relations between London and Washington.
In any event, all royal visits are organised in consultation with the Foreign Office and are carried out “on behalf of His Majesty’s Government” to reflect the priorities of ministers.
As President-elect, Trump paid a special visit to the British embassy in Paris in December, to meet Prince William – who was also in the French capital for the official reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral.
Trump called the Prince of Wales “very handsome” and said the heir to the throne was doing a “fantastic job”.
Of course, campaigning to protect the environment by both King Charles and Prince William will put them at odds with Donald “drill, baby, drill” Trump, but those differences have been overcome before and may well be so again.
An official visit to Washington DC, and a ceremonial welcome at the White House, would ensure the royal visit would be anchored on the east coast of America, avoiding awkward questions about the King going to California to visit Harry and Meghan while he is Stateside.
Despite the King’s on-going cancer treatment, senior palace aides seem confident that the King and Queen will be fit and well enough to make the US trip in 2026.
Buckingham Palace has already announced an official visit to Italy and the Holy See in April but all other future royal tours are in the process of being confirmed.
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