King Charles Visits the U.S.

This summer marks the United States’ Semiquincentennial (the nation’s 250^th birthday). Two-and-a-half centuries ago, the Framers signed the Declaration of Independence. This document declared the thirteen English colonies intent to separate from Great Britain and the King.  

But last week, the King of England arrived in the United States . . . to help celebrate. Another goal of the four-day visit was to help improve the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, which has worsened during the Trump administration. Here, Election Central takes a closer look at King Charles’s tour. 

A Weakened Relationship 

King Charles’ visit comes at a time when the normally strong relationship between the United States and Great Britian has been tested. Recently, President Trump’s attempts to gain British support for the war with Iran has put Trump’s administration at odds with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. President Trump has also imposed economic tariffs on the United Kingdom. And Trump has threatened to impose larger tariffs if the U.K. keeps its tax on U.S. technology companies.  

The King in Washington, D.C. 

King Charles began his visit by giving a speech before a joint session of Congress. Charles is only the second British monarch to do this. The other was his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. She spoke to the assembled legislature in 1991. Charles spoke about the important historical and cultural ties between the U.S. and Great Britain.  

At the same time, the British king delivered subtle warnings that having a strong relationship in the past doesn’t necessarily guarantee one in the future. Charles pointed to the importance of the NATO alliance. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has been key to global peace efforts since World War II. Great Britain and the United States were founding members and key players in NATO operations. The Trump administration, however, is critical of NATO’s bureaucracy. Charles also spoke about the importance of continuing NATO’s commitment to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.  

King Charles spoke about the importance of climate action at a time when the Trump administration is rolling back climate protections. Also, he discussed the essential nature of separation of powers and checks and balances–which he traced back to the Magna Carta. Some critics of the Trump administration believe it has eroded those elements of the nation’s governing structure. 

The speech lasted about 20 minutes, and the king received multiple standing ovations from Democrats and Republicans alike. Later that day, he and his wife, Queen Camilla, attended a state dinner at the White House. The dinner had about 130 guests.  

The King in New York City 

After leaving Washington, D.C., Charles and Camilla went on to visit New York City–the first time a British monarch has done so in sixteen years. They laid flowers at the National 9/11 Memorial and spoke to survivors, relatives, and first responders, as well as schoolchildren, business leaders, and local politicians. They ended their day in the city at a reception for the King’s Trust, one of King Charles’ charities. The King’s Trust helps young people land jobs and launch careers. In the past fifty years, the Trust has helped more than 1.3 million young people with education and employment initiatives. 

The King in Virginia 

Charles and Camilla wrapped up their U.S. trip with a visit to . . . rural Virginia? They did some sightseeing near Shenandoah National Park, where the king, who is an advocate for environmental causes, learned more about America’s public lands. Then they attended a block party in the historic town of Front Royal, Virginia. In Front Royal, the king and queen were greeted by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, as well as a bluegrass band and a parade through the town. Charles and Camilla even contributed to the town potluck with a traditional British dish: a coronation quiche. In the town square gazebo, they finished their visit by meeting with local charity groups, the town’s first responders, domestic abuse survivors, and the Virginia State Little League Team.  

What Do You Think? If you were the king or queen of England on a four-day visit to the United States, what places would you want to visit, and why?