King Charles, Queen Camilla's US visit to 'proceed as planned' after WHCD shooting scare
WASHINGTON, DC: King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s planned visit to the United States will proceed as scheduled, despite a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25, which initially raised security concerns.
The suspect was later subdued and identified by law enforcement as Cole Allen and is now in custody. Authorities also confirmed that he was heavily armed and acted alone. The royal couple is expected to arrive in the capital on Monday, April 27.
King Charles, Queen Camilla US visit to proceed after WHCD shooting
The four-day visit will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence from the United Kingdom. The trip also reflects a partnership rooted in “shared prosperity, security and history,” according to a statement by the UK foreign office.
After gunfire left one Secret Service agent injured during the annual political event, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Sunday, April 26, “Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned.”
“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the visit getting underway tomorrow,” the spokesperson added.
The royal couple also reportedly reached out privately to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump following the incident. Live footage from the dinner showed Secret Service agents entering the ballroom and quickly escorting Trump out of the room as he was seated onstage shortly after the event began.
Other prominent figures onstage, including Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, were also seen being removed from the ballroom on camera. Allen is expected to face at least two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers, according to Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
“Quite an evening in DC,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post after the shooting incident. “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.” In a follow-up post, he added, “The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition."
King Charles US visit schedule and events amid DC shooting
During a subsequent press conference, Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said the suspect had been staying at the Washington Hilton in DC, which hosted the event. Mayor Muriel Bowser and several law enforcement officials said they believe the suspect acted alone.
Charles and Camilla’s visit is expected to include a private tea, a garden party, and a ceremonial military review on their first day. The King is also set to follow in his mother’s footsteps, becoming only the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress.
The late Queen Elizabeth II delivered a speech at the Capitol in 1991 during her third of four official state visits to the US over the course of her reign.
Charles and Camilla are also expected to attend a state dinner at the White House, visit New York City for a series of engagements including One World Trade Center and a reception for The King’s Trust, and later travel to Virginia to meet local residents and community organizations.
They are also set to observe performances by Appalachian cultural groups and attend a “block party” in a national park marking America’s 250th birthday. The visit comes less than a year after the Trumps made their own trip to the UK, where they were honored with a state banquet.
