King Charles III will proceed with his state visit to the United States next month despite ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and U.K., Buckingham Palace confirmed Tuesday. The visit, scheduled for April, will not include a meeting with his son Prince Harry, who resides in California.
The trip marks Charles’ first state visit to the U.S. as monarch, following multiple postponements due to geopolitical concerns. Analysts suggest the carefully timed diplomacy aims to reinforce the “special relationship” between the two nations amid trade disputes and differing Ukraine war stances.
“This visit demonstrates continuity in transatlantic relations,” a senior Foreign Office official told the BBC on condition of anonymity. “While certain bilateral issues remain unresolved, the symbolic importance of the monarchy transcends current political disagreements.”
Security preparations are underway in Washington, where the King is expected to meet with President Biden and address Congress. The exclusion of Prince Harry from official events reflects ongoing tensions within the royal family following his 2020 departure from royal duties.
Royal commentators note the visit could help rehabilitate Charles’ international image following controversies surrounding the monarchy’s colonial legacy. However, some Republican lawmakers have questioned the taxpayer cost of the trip during a cost-of-living crisis.