Trump praises King Charles’ US visit amid health battle: 'He’s got something very tough to fight'

King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed support for Donald Trump after the White House dinner shooting as their US visit plans continue
Donald Trump praised King Charles III’s bravery, calling him 'amazing' and strong despite his ongoing health battle (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Donald Trump praised King Charles III’s bravery, calling him 'amazing' and strong despite his ongoing health battle (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump has praised King Charles III for his bravery in proceeding with his US visit despite ongoing health issues.

Even after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner forced the evacuation of the president and top officials, King Charles and Queen Camilla are moving forward with their historic trip to Washington, DC. 

President Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House after an unspecified threat at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
President Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House after an unspecified threat at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 25, 2026 (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Trump hails King Charles’ courage despite illness

Trump highlighted the King’s resilience, noting that the monarch is traveling while receiving treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

Speaking on 'Fox News Sunday,' Trump emphasized the strength required for such a trip, stating, "He is brave, you know, he's got something that's very tough to fight."

Trump continued to praise the King’s character and commitment to his role despite his medical condition, saying, "He’s got a problem with, as you know, a very well documented problem with his health. And he’s been amazing, actually."

"He’s very brave, actually, and he’s a friend of mine for a long time. So he’s coming, and we’re going to have a great time. And he represents his nation like nobody else can do it."

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, Princess Charlotte of Wales, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince George of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, Princess Charlotte of Wales, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince George of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Royal visit proceeds despite WHCD shooting

The planned four-day state visit remains on track even after a gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents at the Washington Hilton.

Despite the chaos that led to the evacuation of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Melania Trump, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the schedule is unchanged.

"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 spokesperson said.

The palace added that 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."

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino jumps over a chair after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. According to reports, President Donald Trump, along with other government officials, were evacuated from the Washington Hilton after what sounded like gun fire. According to the FBI’s Washington field office, a 'subject' is in custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino jumps over a chair after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

King Charles shows support after WHCD shooting

The King and Queen have shown personal solidarity with the US leadership by privately reaching out to the Trumps following the security scare.

A spokesperson shared that "His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed."

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) King Charles III attends the first day of London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on February 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
King Charles III attends the first day of London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on February 19, 2026 in London, England (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

This trip, which includes stops in New York and Virginia, is a significant celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

Regarding the logistical impact of the shooting, the palace noted that "a number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with US colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the Visit."

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