President Donald Trump has declared that King Charles III will "be very safe" during his upcoming state visit to the United States, following intensified security discussions between the White House and Buckingham Palace. The reassurance comes after a gunman managed to breach an event attended by Trump in Washington D.C. on Saturday, prompting fresh concerns about the royal couple's protection.
In an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes aired Sunday, Trump emphasized the security of the White House grounds, where the King and Queen will be hosted. "The White House grounds are really safe. This area of not very many acres is really safe," he said. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the visit's program will proceed largely as planned, despite the incident.
The four-day state visit is seen as a key diplomatic opportunity for the UK to ease tensions with the Trump administration. UK Ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner, described the trip as a chance to "renew and revitalize a unique friendship" between the two nations. He noted that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Trump on Sunday to finalize arrangements.
The King and Queen privately expressed sympathies to the Trumps following the attack, during which a Secret Service agent sustained minor injuries, and the president and first lady were rushed to safety.
The visit begins in Washington D.C. with a tea reception at the White House, followed by a garden party. King Charles will address the US Congress on Tuesday, a speech that will require a careful balance between advancing UK government positions and maintaining cordial relations with Trump. The president will speak at a state dinner later.
While Trump has praised the King as "a fantastic person and a tremendous representative," the visit has drawn criticism. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for its cancellation, labeling Trump an "unreliable" ally. Labour MP Emily Thornberry expressed anxiety over the "high-wire act," citing the president's unpredictability. However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have voiced support, with Farage asserting that Trump holds "extraordinary respect" for the monarchy.
The UK government hopes the visit will bolster investment, military cooperation, and people-to-people ties, including tourism and education. Despite diplomatic strains over issues like Iran, the trip proceeds amidst a backdrop of British and American flags lining the streets near the White House, as both nations seek to showcase their alliance.