Bangkok: King Charles III is set to arrive in the United States today, marking the beginning of a significant four-day official visit. This visit, scheduled from April 27-30, aims to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the United States and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This visit is noteworthy as it is King Charles III's first visit to the U.S. as monarch and the first by a British monarch since 2007.
According to Thai News Agency, despite recent security concerns following a shooting incident at a White House press gala, the visit will proceed as planned. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will engage in various diplomatic activities, including a meeting and tea with President Donald Trump and the First Lady, a state banquet at the White House, and an address to a joint session of Congress, a historic occasion for a British monarch.
The itinerary also includes a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, a tour of a national park in Virginia, and participation in a community event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Following the visit to the United States, King Charles III will travel to Bermuda, marking his first overseas visit as a monarch. Notably, the King is not scheduled to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during this visit.
The visit comes amidst global tensions, particularly related to the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Iran. King Charles III is expected to employ "soft power" to address these issues and reinforce the special relationship between Britain and the United States, especially in light of President Trump's previous dissatisfaction with the British government's support for U.S. military operations in Iran.