Donald and Melania Trump Host UK's King and Queen at White House State Visit

King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom arrived at the White House for a state visit on April 28, where President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump orchestrated an elaborate ceremonial reception.

The formal honors took place on the South Lawn, where military performers dressed in traditional British red coat uniforms participated in the pageantry. The distinctive crimson uniforms trace back to the colonial period, when American colonists referred to British Army soldiers by this nickname during the Revolutionary War era, marking their role as representatives of British imperial authority.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, the presidential couple and their royal guests appeared together on a balcony for a coordinated wave to onlookers—a gesture reminiscent of customs observed by the British royal family.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly spoke ahead of the visit about the relationship between the president and the British monarch. "President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president's historic visit to the United Kingdom last year," Kelly stated. "The president looks forward to a special visit by Their Majesties, which will include a beautiful state dinner and multiple events throughout the week."

The royal couple had arrived in the United States the day prior to the main ceremonial events.