King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

WorldPolitics
29 Apr 2026 • 7:40 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived at the White House for a state dinner with President Donald Trump.

First lady Melania Trump joined the president as he greeted the royals outside the White House on Tuesday evening. Other guests have also started to arrive, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The event follows Charles’ historic address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, during which he sought to acknowledge abuse survivors, according to a palace aide. Trump told reporters the King’s speech was “great” and that he was “very jealous.”

Earlier Tuesday, Charles and Camilla met with the president and first lady, who welcomed them with gifts.

Charles gifted Trump a framed replica of the 1879 design plans for the Resolute Desk, which is in the Oval Office, after it was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880.

Trump gave Charles a custom replica of a letter from John Adams to John Jay in 1785. In the letter, Adams promised to restore a friendship between the two nations.

Read More

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Key Points

  • Amid tensions over Iran, King Charles stresses importance of NATO during speech
  • King Charles condemns shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
  • King Charles lauded checks and balances. At the same time, the White House posted a photo calling Trump a king.
  • Charles acknowledges 'victims' in speech to Congress
  • Trump remembers his Scottish mother, who had a crush on Charles
  • Schedule for day two of state visit

In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed to White House for state dinner

00:32 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the White House for a state dinner (Reuters)President Donald Trump said King Charles' congressional address as he arrived at the White House for a state dinner (AFP via Getty Images)First lady Melania Trump greets Queen Camilla at the White House (REUTERS)

Trump says he's 'jealous' of King Charles' speech

00:23 , Katie Hawkinson

President Donald Trump praised King Charles’ congressional address as he welcomed him and Queen Camilla to the White House for a state dinner.

"He made a great speech, I was very jealous,” Trump said as he pointed to the King.

King Charles arrives for a state dinner at the White House (REUTERS)

Guests arrive for White House state dinner

00:10 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles is expected to attend a state dinner at the White House this evening.

Guests are arriving now, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, arrive at the White House for a state dinner with King Charles (REUTERS)Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook arrives at the White House for a state dinner with King Charles (REUTERS)

King Charles meets with tech leaders ahead of White House dinner

00:05 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles met with tech leaders and entrepreneurs at Blair House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of his state dinner at the White House.

Attendees included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google President Ruth Porat.

Watch: King Charles hails importance of 'checks and balances' on executive power

00:00 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles was met with huge cheers as he emphasized the importance of “checks and balances” on executive power during his congressional address.

Watch below:

King Charles' address was 'best speech of his life,' Piers Morgan says

23:35 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles’ congressional address was “brilliant, bold and challenging,” Piers Morgan said on social media.

“Brilliant, bold and challenging address by King Charles to the U.S. Congress which was (very unusually!) united in regular standing ovations,” he wrote. “The best speech of his life, right when his country needed him to step up and repair the Special Relationship. Bravo, Your Majesty!”

ANALYSIS: King Charles’ speech was delightfully detached from reality — and very inconvenient for Trump

23:20 , Katie Hawkinson

The Independent’s Holly Baxter breaks down King Charles’ historic speech to Congress:

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

Charles’ speech to Congress was detached from reality — and inconvenient for Trump

Buckingham Palace says King was 'greatly touched' by response to speech

23:10 , Katie Hawkinson

King Charles was “deeply honoured” to speak before Congress, and was “greatly touched” by the response afterward, according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.

“The King was deeply honoured to have been invited to be the first British King to give such an address and was greatly touched by the warmth and generosity of the response he received,” the spokesperson said.

King Charles waves as he addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress (Reuters)

Watch: King Charles acknowledges 'victims' of abuse

23:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Charles wanted to acknowledge ‘victims’ in speech to Congress including those abused by Epstein, palace says

22:44 , Rachel Dobkin

King Charles wanted to acknowledge victims of abuse in his joint address to Congress, including those allegedly abused by Jeffrey Epstein, the palace has said.

Read more:

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

Charles wanted to mention ‘victims’ of Epstein’s abuse in Congress speech: palace

US British Embassy chef shares menu served to Charles and Camilla on first day of state visit

22:30 , Amber Raiken

Craig Harnden, head chef at the U.S. British Embassy in Washington, D.C., has revealed what he made for King Charles and Queen Camilla during the first day of their state visit to the U.S.

On Monday, Harnden and his team prepared an afternoon tea for more than 650 guests in the embassy’s garden.

On X, the British Embassy said its menu included “four kinds of tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and several British flavors from smoked Scottish salmon to British Beef.”

The first sandwich featured Scottish smoked salmon, lemon butter and brown bread. Harnden then prepared a roast beef and horseradish sandwich, which he noted was not a traditional flavor for an afternoon tea.

The third sandwich was an egg mayonnaise, made with boiled eggs, a touch of mayonnaise, salt and black pepper. The fourth option, a cucumber sandwich, had slightly pickled cucumbers.

Top Senate Democrat reacts to King Charles' visit: 'Friends and allies matter'

22:20 , Katie Hawkinson

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said King Charles’ visit will serve as a “reminder” to President Donald Trump that “friends and allies matter.”

“It has been thirty-five years since a British monarch addressed the elected representatives of the American people—the world has changed dramatically, but in many ways, the same tests remain before us,” Schumer wrote on X.

“The visit of King Charles III should serve as a reminder to the President of the United States and to every elected official in this country: friends and allies matter,” he continued.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer greets King Charles III and Queen Camilla (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Republicans praise King Charles' speech

22:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Several Republicans praised King Charles’ speech before Congress.

Mike Pence, who served as President Donald Trump’s vice president from 2017 to 2021, shared a post on X calling the address “inspiring and historic.”

“His affirmation of our shared values and history was just the right message to reaffirm the Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” Pence wrote. “Well Done Your Majesty!”

Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina who challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, described his address as “amazing.”

“Amazing to see King Charles unify Congress in a way America craves. Great speech on our historic relationship, our democratic values, and our belief in freedom,” she wrote on X.

King Charles says US ‘lies at the heart of Nato’ in historic Congress speech after Trump’s threats to leave

22:00 , Andrew Feinberg

King Charles III used a historic address to the U.S. Congress to offer a subtle but stinging rebuke of President Donald Trump’s often-monarchical ambitions as he hailed the separation of powers that replaced the British monarchy in the former colonies all those years ago.

Read more here:

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

Congress erupts after King Charles references ‘checks and balances’ in address

Republican congressman says he was 'more excited' to hang out with Kid Rock than King Charles

21:46 , Ariana Baio

Republican Representative Tim Burchett, an ally of President Donald Trump, said he was “more excited to hang out” with singer Kid Rock and former professional wrestler Ric Flair than King Charles.

“I just saw King Charles. I was actually more excited to hang out with @KidRock and @RicFlairNatrBoy,” Burchett wrote.

In Photos: King Charles addresses Congress

21:31 , Ariana Baio Lawmakers applaud for King Charles III as he gives a brief address to members of the U.S. Congress (PA)King Charles gives his address to both chambers of Congress as Vice President JD Vance (left) and U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) listen (Getty)Queen Camilla sits beside King Charles III as he addresses both chambers of Congress Tuesday afternoon (Reuters)King Charles shakes the hand of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (Reuters)

Read King Charles' speech in full

21:15 , Tony Jones

“Mr Vice President, Mr Speaker, members of Congress, representatives of the American people across all states, territories, cities and communities.

I would like, if I may, to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honour of addressing this joint meeting of Congress and, on behalf of the Queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semi quincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence.

And for all of that time, our destinies as nations have been interlinked.”

Read the rest of King Charles’ speech here:

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

The King’s speech to US Congress in full as he cracks jokes and hails alliance

Charles acknowledges 'victims' in speech

21:10 , Ariana Baio

King Charles did not directly address the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during his speech, but he did highlight the need to “support victims” of society’s ills.

“In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today,” Charles said.

A palace aide told NBC News this was Charles' wish to address Epstein’s victims.

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a leading figure in pushing for more transparency on Epstein, told MS NOW earlier Tuesday that the British ambassador said the king “may” mention something about the need for accountability.

This post has been updated to reflect a palace aide’s confirmation to NBC News.

Huge cheers as King Charles hails importance of 'checks and balances' on executive power

21:00 , Independent TV

King Charles lauded checks and balances. At the same time, the White House posted a photo calling Trump a King.

20:50 , Isabel Keane

The White House’s official X account called President Donald Trump a “King,” as King Charles III lauded checks and balances while speaking to a joint meeting of Congress.

Read more from Isabel Keane:

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

White House X account calls Trump a King as King Charles speaks before Congress

King Charles makes climate change a talking point

20:47 , Ariana Baio

Looking to the future of the United States, leaders must consider protecting nature, King Charles III said in his joint address.

“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” Charles told members of Congress Tuesday afternoon.

Calling the U.S.’s natural wonders “a unique asset,” Charles reminded people that protecting the environment would be crucial for the future of the country.

“... Generations of Americans have risen to this calling: indigenous, political and civic leaders, people in rural communities and cities alike, have all helped to protect and nurture what President Theodore Roosevelt called ‘the glorious heritage’ of this land’s extraordinary natural splendour, on which so much of its prosperity has always depended,” King Charles said.

The Trump administration has rolled back many environmental protection policies and made it a goal to produce more fossil fuels.

Amid tensions over Iran, King Charles stresses importance of NATO

20:35 , Ariana Baio

King Charles emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance during his joint address to Congress – amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders over the Iran war.

“From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries,” Charles said.

“Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.”

 (AFP/Getty)

King urges defense for 'courageous people' of Ukraine

20:32 , Ariana Baio

During his speech, the King emphasized the importance of providing defense for Ukraine – a topic that has become controversial among lawmakers in the United States.

“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace,” King Charles said.

Watch: King Charles cracks jokes during address to Congress

20:30 , Independent TV

King Charles recognizes upcoming anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

20:28 , Ariana Baio

“This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11,” King Charles III said to the joint session of Congress while discussing security.

“This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world. During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss,” he added.

Lawmakers stand at mention of checks and balances for executive branch

20:26 , Ariana Baio

Lawmakers gave King Charles a standing ovation at his emphasis that the U.S. is built on the idea of checks and balances – particularly as it pertains to the executive branch – based on the Magna Carta.

“Our Declaration of Rights of 1689 was not only the foundation of our constitutional Monarchy, but also provided the source of so many of the principles reiterated – often verbatim – in the American Bill of Rights of 1791,” the King said.

“And those roots go even further back in our history: the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”

Chamber erupts in applause for King's jokes about US-UK relationship

20:20 , Ariana Baio, Eric Garcia

King Charles III received a resounding applause and bits of laughter from people in the chambers for telling the story of former President George Washington and King George III as the "tale of two Georges.”

The King joked he is "not here as part of some running rear guard action," to laughter.

Charles condemns shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

20:12 , Ariana Baio

King Charles III began his address to U.S. Congress by condemning the shooting that occurred at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening.

“We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord,” Charles said Tuesday afternoon.

“Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” he added.

King Charles III began his speech by denouncing acts of violence (Getty)

King and Queen enter to standing ovation

20:08 , Eric Garcia, Ariana Baio

The entire chamber is on its feet for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in a very prolonged applause and people are on their feet.

Lawmakers fill Congressional chamber in anticipation of King's speech

19:56 , Eric Garcia, Ariana Baio

There is mostly a jovial vibe inside the chamber at the moment before King Charles III enters.

Lawmakers are greeting one another, while members of the president’s Cabinet, the most senior administration officials, are mostly greeting Republican allies.

Lawmakers are seated in their respective corners. Hardline conservatives sit next to each other while progressive Democrats sit with their buddies.

Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is among the current or former officials attending the historic address (Getty)

Watch Live: King Charles addresses US Congress joint session

19:55 , Independent TV

What to expect from King Charles' speech

19:44 , Holly Patrick

The King will use his address to say that the story of the U.K. and the U.S. since America’s independence is “one of the greatest alliances in human history,” where the two nations find ways to “come together”.

Charles's speech to both Houses is likely to be seen as acknowledging tensions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who have clashed over the US leader’s war against Iran.

It marks only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

His Majesty is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and, in a show of solidarity and support, offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Watch: U.S. Representative says it would be 'tone deaf' for King Charles to not acknowledge Epstein survivors in speech to Congress

19:20 , Independent TV

King Charles greets US Speaker of the House ahead of address

18:59 , Andrew Feinberg, Ariana Baio

King Charles arrived on Capitol Hill and was greeted by U.S. Speaker of the House, Representative Mike Johnson, at 1:35 p.m. ET.

The two posed for a quick photo in front of U.S. and U.K. flags before walking into Johnson’s ceremonial office for a meeting with other leaders in Congress.

That includes Senator John Thune, the leader of the Republican Party in the Senate, and his counterpart, Senator Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic Party in the Senate, as well as Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives.

King Charles III greets the U.S. Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (PA)

Melania and Camilla speak with students about US-UK history

18:50 , Ariana Baio

First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla joined students learning about U.S.–U.K. history on the White House tennis pavilion Tuesday afternoon to discuss education and technology.

Students used Meta Quest glasses to view American artifacts picked by Melania that are significant to the U.S. and U.K.’s history, including a portrait of former U.S. President John Adams, who also served as the first ambassador to the U.K.

One student asked Camilla if she would like to try on Meta glasses but she politely declined, according to the First Lady’s Office pool reports.

Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump speak with students about the US-UK history on the White House tennis court (PA Wire)Students wore VR goggles to view landmarks in the UK while speaking with the first lady and the queen about the history between the US and UK (Getty)

Students also used virtual reality goggles to view landmarks in the U.K., such as Giant’s Causeway, Stonehenge and the exterior of Buckingham Palace.

Technology in education is one of Melania’s initiatives as first lady.

Trump cracks awkward marriage joke to Melania with King Charles watching after Jimmy Kimmel ‘widow’ uproar

18:30 , Isabel Keane

Days after calling for comedian Jimmy Kimmel to lose his job after mocking the near quarter-century age gap between President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the president used the same subject as fodder for a joke while welcoming King Charles III to the White House on Tuesday.

Trump was working his way through meandering remarks at the end of a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn when he segued from meditating on the deep friendship that has developed between the U.S. and U.K. over the 250 years since American independence to his Scottish-born mother’s Mary McLeod Trump’s admiration for His Majesty’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

As Trump noted how his mother had emigrated from Scotland to the U.S. at age 19 and entered into what would be a 63-year marriage with his father, he turned back to the First Lady, who was seated with the Queen behind him.

“That's a record we won't be able to match, darling,” he said.

“I'm sorry, it’s just not going to work out that way. We'll do well, but we're not going to do that well.”

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel made a joke earlier this week about the age gap between President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

Read more from Andrew Feinberg here

King Charles' speech preview

18:11 , Isabel Keane

King Charles III is expected to speak on a variety of subjects while addressing Congress, including Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

The speech Tuesday afternoon will be “an address to a joint meeting of Congress,” not a joint session of Congress.

The speech, which was written by the UK government, is expected to last around 20 minutes, according to a Buckingham Palace official.

The King is expected to talk about Saturday’s shooting at the WHCA dinner at the very beginning of his speech.

He will express “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States’ in this landmark anniversary year.”

He is also expected to say that the story of the U.S. and U.K. over the last 250 years is one of “reconciliation and renewal”, of “one of the greatest alliances in human history.”

Charles will deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress Tuesday afternoon (PA)

There will also be references to NATO, AUKUS, the Middle East and Ukraine.

King Charles is expected to note that while the U.S. and U.K. don’t always agree, the foundations of their “democratic, legal and social traditions” remain aligned.

Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania exchange gifts

17:53 , Isabel Keane

Queen Camilla gifted First Lady Melania Trump a brooch from the British jewelry designer, Fiona Rae.

Meanwhile, the first lady gifted Camilla six Tiffany’s English King Sterling Silver Teaspoons and White House Honey.

Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump exchanged gifts on the second day of the visit (PA)

King Charles and President Trump exchange gifts

17:52 , Isabel Keane

King Charles gifted President Donald Trump a framed replica of the 1879 design plans for the Resolute Desk, the originals of which are held by the National Maritime Museum in London.

The drawings show the front elevation, top and projection of the president’s desk in the Oval Office of the White House.

The desk was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880 by Queen Victoria.

The Resolute Desk was created from the timbers of the British exploration ship H.M.S. Resolute, which was recovered by the U.S. and presented to Queen Victoria as a gesture of goodwill in 1856.

Years later, when the ship was decommissioned in 1879, three desks were made from its timbers, including the one given to Hayes that is now a permanent fixture in the White House.

President Donald Trump and King Charles III exchanged gifts during their meeting Tuesday at the White House (PA)

Meanwhile, Trump gifted Charles a custom replica of a letter written by John Adams to John Jay in 1785.

In the letter, Adams describes His Majesty King George III receiving Adams as the first U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.

Adams notes in the letter that their meeting was marked by the pomp and ceremony required by the occasion of a royal audience.

However, beneath the pageantry, Adams described a strong undercurrent of emotion as the King and his former subject—once bitter enemies—met face to face, as statesmen.

In the letter, Adams quotes his speech to the King, promising to restore friendship between the two nations. The King’s response said that although he was "the last to consent to the separation,” he would be the first to meet U.S. friendship.

Adams notes in the letter that this experience might prove useful to later diplomats.

EXCLUSIVE: Queen Elizabeth’s former protection officer says US royal visit should have been cancelled

17:30 , Bryony Gooch

UK ambassador to Washington says America’s only ‘special relationship’ is with Israel, not Britain

17:03 , Bryony Gooch

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

UK ambassador to Washington says America’s only ‘special relationship’ is with Israel

Ceremonial welcome has come to an end - but the state visit is only just beginning

16:47 , Bryony Gooch

The ceremonial welcome has come to an end. King Charles III and President Trump have also exchanged gifts as the monarch signed the official White House guestbook.

Here is the official schedule for day two:

11.40 AM local time (4.40PM BST) - Bilateral meeting between Trump and Charles.

11.45 AM local time (4.45PM BST) - Camilla and Melania join Students in exploring US-UK history through innovation.

3.00 PM local time (8.00 PM BST) - Estimated time Charles is expected to give a speech to congress.

7.00 PM local (midnight BST) - Trump and Melania will greet the King and Queen again before a tour and document viewing.

8.05pm local (1.00 AM BST) - The state banquet is set to take place.

Trump: Americans have had no closer friends than the British

16:45 , Bryony Gooch

US president Donald Trump said “Americans have had no closer friends than the British” at a ceremonial welcome for the King and Queen on the lawn of the White House.

Trump: 'no tribute more appropriate' than celebrating US independence by honouring the King

16:38 , Bryony Gooch

US president Donald Trump has said “no tribute could be more appropriate” for celebrating US independence than the honouring King.

In a ceremony at the White House, the president said: “Honouring the British king, might seem an ironic beginning to our celebration of 250 years of American independence, but, in fact, no tribute could be more appropriate.

“Long before Americans had a nation or a constitution, we first had a culture, a character and a creed.

“Before we ever proclaimed our independence, Americans carried within us the rarest of gifts, moral courage, and it came from a small but mighty kingdom from across the sea.

“For nearly two centuries before the revolution, this land was settled and forged by men, women who bore their souls, the blood and noble spirit of the British here on a wild and untamed continent.

“They set loose the ancient English love of liberty and the Great Britain’s distinctive sense of glory, destiny and pride.”

Watch: Trump makes awkward joke about marriage to Melania during King Charles visit

16:27 , Bryony Gooch

King Charles reacts to Donald Trump saying his mother had a crush on him as a young prince

16:27 , Bryony Gooch

 (Pool) (Pool)

Trump reflects on Britain's 'greatest prime minister' - Winston Churchill

16:25 , Bryony Gooch

President Trump appeared to make a jibe about Sir Keir Starmer as he made reference to “Britain’s greatest prime minister”, Sir Winston Churchill.

In his speech, he said: “It’s said that when Prime Minister Churchill first met this future king, many decades ago, he was so impressed. He made the statement ‘he is so young to think so much and so well.’ and the bust of your great Prime Minister rests proudly again in the Oval Office.

He added: “The world has witnessed that same thoughtfulness which first struck Britain's greatest prime minister.”

Trump makes awkward joke about marriage to Melania amid ceremonial speech

16:21 , Bryony Gooch

Speaking about his parents, Donald Trump reflected on his own marriage to Melania.

“My mother and Fred, they were married for 63 years,” he said, before joking that he and Melania, who have been married for two decades, might not last as long.

Trump remembers his Scottish mother, who had a crush on Charles

16:14 , Bryony Gooch

President Trump has just said that his mother had a crush on now King Charles.

Reflecting on Mary Macleod Trump, he said: “I also remember her saying very clearly, Charles... He's so cute.

“My mother had a crush on Charles.”

His mother was born in Scotland in 1912.

Trump comments on British weather in the rain

16:12 , Bryony Gooch

US President Donald Trump said, standing at a podium decorated with the presidential seal, said, referring to the rainy weather: “Thank you very much everybody. What a beautiful British day this is.”

He said it was a “tremendous privilege to host” the King and Queen and called the King a “very elegant man”.

Trump: Late Queen is 'greatly missed'

16:11 , Bryony Gooch

Speaking from the podium, Donald Trump has said that he greatly misses King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

He said: “We see today a living symbol of this centuries old bond, just a few dozen feet to the left where I stand there her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, an incredible woman who I had the privilege of getting to know.

“Queen Elizabeth, the second very, very special woman who is very greatly missed on both sides of that mighty Atlantic. Long ago, planted a young tree, very young and beautiful tree. And look at it now.

“It's tripled in size and tripled in strength, very much as our nations have, even more than tripled, like our nation itself. It was laid with British hands, but grew in American soil today, it stands tall and proud. reaching ever higher.”

In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for ceremonial welcome

16:02 , Bryony Gooch

 (Reuters) (Reuters)

Watch live: King and Queen given ceremonial welcome by Trump at White House

15:52 , Bryony Gooch

In pictures: Rubio, Hegseth and Vance attend ceremonial welcome

15:47 , Bryony Gooch

 (Getty) (Getty) (AFP/Getty)

Spotted: Yvette Cooper attends state ceremony

15:43 , Bryony Gooch

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has been seen at the state visit ceremonial welcome alongside UK ambassador to the US Sir Christian Turner.

Ms Cooper was visiting Secretary of State Marco Rubio in DC as part of the state visit.

 (AFP/Getty)

In pictures: Soldiers march for state visit

15:37 , Bryony Gooch

 (Reuters) (Getty)

Ceremonial welcome to begin shortly

15:32 , Bryony Gooch

The ceremonial welcome on the White House south lawn is set to begin in rainy Washington DC.

Join us for the latest action.

 (Screenshot/ The Independent Live)

In pictures: Traffic at a standstill near the White House ahead of the arrival ceremony for King Charles

15:30 , Bryony Gooch

 (Reuters) (Getty)

Security teams to look carefully for any potential issues - report

15:15 , Bryony Gooch

The former head of royal protection has said security teams at the US state visit are tackling a number of unpredictable variables as they protect King Charles on the State Visit.

Former head of royal protection Dai Davies told Sky News they "will look carefully at where anyone could actually get near".

"Clearly, some of it is in the White House, but there are areas where, as I understand it, either the public or individuals will be allowed near, and the question has to arise - what security has been planned for?"

King Charles leaves Melania Trump in fits of laughter with joke during White House beehive tour

15:00 , Bryony Gooch

Image from: King Charles US visit live: British monarch attends state dinner with Trump after his earlier speech to Congress

King leaves Melania in fits of laughter with joke during White House beehive tour

Trump responds to potential family connection with King Charles

14:44 , Bryony Gooch

Donald Trump has said he’s “always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace” in response to allegations that he could be King Charles’ cousin.

The US president posted on Truth Social after reading a story in The Mail that alleged he is a cousin of the monarch, saying: “Wow, that’s nice. I’ve always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!!

“I’ll talk to the King and Queen about this in a few minutes!!! President DJT”

 (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)