King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s upcoming state visit to the United States will proceed “as planned,” Buckingham Palace confirmed, despite heightened security concerns following a shooting incident in Washington, DC.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Palace said the decision followed “after discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day,” indicating close coordination between British and American officials.
Officials acknowledged that minor adjustments would be made to parts of the itinerary in an effort to further reduce potential risks.
Security fears intensified after a gunman attempted to force entry into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at a Washington hotel on Saturday night. According to the acting US attorney general, the suspect was believed to be targeting Donald Trump.
The Palace added that the King was “greatly relieved” to learn that President Trump, Melania Trump, and other attendees were unharmed.
It is understood that the King and Queen privately contacted the Trumps to express their sympathies for those affected by the incident.
President Trump and senior administration officials were evacuated from the venue after the suspect opened fire while attempting to gain entry. The individual, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was detained at the scene.
The incident prompted urgent discussions over security arrangements for the royal visit, with the Palace earlier noting concerns over “to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit.”
Confirming the visit would go ahead, the Palace said the King and Queen were “most grateful to all those who have worked at pace” and were “looking forward to the visit getting under way tomorrow.”
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was “very confident” the royal couple would be safe, telling NBC News that the response to Saturday’s events demonstrated the effectiveness of US security systems.
Senior UK minister Darren Jones earlier told the BBC that “appropriate security” measures would be in place throughout the visit.
Meanwhile, shadow home secretary Chris Philp stressed that it was “vital” the monarch received full protection, urging both US and UK authorities to review arrangements overnight.
During the incident, one Secret Service agent was shot but survived after being protected by a bulletproof vest, President Trump said. No other injuries were reported.
Even prior to the shooting, security for the four-day visit was expected to be extensive. Officials now indicate measures will be further intensified.
When President Trump visited the UK last autumn, engagements were largely confined within Windsor Castle, with helicopter transport used to maintain a secure environment and limit public exposure.
It remains unclear what specific changes have been made to the current itinerary. The King had been expected to address both houses of Congress, visit the 9/11 memorial in New York, and attend a wreath-laying ceremony in Virginia to honour fallen US and UK soldiers.
The visit also comes amid diplomatic sensitivities. It is scheduled shortly after reports suggested the US may review its stance on UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
President Trump has also criticised the UK government and other allies over their handling of the Iran conflict.
Despite these tensions, the US president has maintained a strong personal regard for the monarchy, telling the BBC earlier this week that the visit could help strengthen ties between the two nations.
“I know him well, I’ve known him for years,” the president said. “He’s a brave man, and he’s a great man.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his “best wishes” to Trump and Melania following what he described as the “shocking scenes” on Saturday night.
In a phone call on Sunday, Starmer expressed relief that the president and first lady were safe, and wished a swift recovery to the injured officer.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also condemned the violence, writing on X: “Political violence is wrong. We must all condemn this attack and be thankful no lives were lost.”
Nigel Farage echoed those sentiments, stating it was a relief that all attendees were safe, adding: “However much we disagree about politics, if violence is used we all lose.”
