Donald Trump is moving to calm concerns after a recent security scare, insisting that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have no reason to worry ahead of their U.S. visit.
The reassurance comes in the wake of a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which raised questions about safety at high-profile gatherings. Despite the incident, officials from both nations remain in close contact, and all scheduled engagements for the royal visit are expected to proceed without changes.
Donald Trump Assures King, Queen Will Be ‘Very Safe’
Trump has moved to shut down safety concerns ahead of the royal visit, assuring the public that King Charles and Queen will be “very safe” during their time in the United States.
The reassurance follows a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner over the weekend. Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump emphasized the extensive measures in place at the White House, adding that the King is expected to stay on the premises during part of his visit.
“He’ll be staying here. I believe he’s going to a couple of other locations because he’s here for a few days,” Trump said, per the BBC.
The president also struck a warm tone when speaking about the monarch, revealing they had recently spoken. “He’s a great guy. They called him, and they are so looking forward to being here. We spoke this morning,” Trump added.
Buckingham Palace Confirms Visit Will Proceed As Planned
Despite the recent security scare, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the state visit would proceed as planned, with the King and Queen now officially on U.S. soil.
The decision follows discussions between British and American officials, with both sides agreeing to make minor adjustments to scheduled engagements in a bid to reduce potential risks. According to reports, the talks centered on “to what degree” the shooting incident “may or may not impact the operational planning for the visit.”
While the exact changes to protocol remain unclear, they were ultimately deemed sufficient for all parties to move forward, signaling confidence that the visit can take place safely without major disruption.
King Charles’ U.S. Itinerary Starts With Donald Trump
King Charles and Camilla are set for a packed four-day visit to the United States, with stops planned in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Virginia. In the nation’s capital, the royal couple will be formally welcomed by Trump and Melania, followed by a private tea at the White House.
Their New York stop will carry a more somber tone, as they attend an event honoring victims of the September 11 attacks and meet with families affected by the tragedy.
The visit will also include a wreath-laying ceremony in Virginia to pay tribute to fallen U.S. and U.K. soldiers. During the trip, the King is additionally expected to address both houses of Congress and hold several high-level meetings with key figures connected to both nations.
Royals Snub Sussexes During U.S. Visit
Charles and Camilla are not expected to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their U.S. visit, despite the couple residing in the country.
The reported decision underscores the ongoing strain between the two sides following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties, with reconciliation efforts still appearing limited, even after Harry’s visit to see his father last year.
Separately, there have been public calls for the King to meet with survivors connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, particularly in light of past scrutiny involving Prince Andrew, who has denied any wrongdoing. However, the monarch is said to have no plans to do so, citing concerns about potentially interfering with ongoing legal and police matters.
King Charles Continues Royal Tour To Bermuda
The British Royals’ trip is being framed as a celebration of the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. The visit comes nearly two decades after Queen Elizabeth II last traveled to the U.S., during the presidency of George W. Bush.
According to Buckingham Palace, the trip is expected to “celebrate the historic connections” between the two nations, while also highlighting their “modern bilateral relationship.”
Following their U.S. engagements, the King and Queen will continue to Bermuda for Charles’s first official visit there as monarch, scheduled for May 1 and 2, before returning to London.