King Charles III, Queen Camilla conclude US state visit
Charles and Camilla visited two states and Washington, D.C., over four days.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their first-ever state visit to the United States on Thursday, wrapping up a whirlwind four days that took them to Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia.
The royals' visit took place amid significant strains between the U.K. and the U.S. over the war in Iran. It also happened under the shadow of Charles' brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connection to the ongoing Epstein scandal.
Charles took Washington by storm, delivering a rare joint address to Congress and garnering good cheer with his toast at a White House state dinner. In New York City, the king and queen mixed with celebrities and locals alike before traveling to Virginia to celebrate America's 250th birthday.
Scroll below to see how the visit unfolded.
Latest headlines:
Camilla talks books with Sarah Jessica Parker, Anna Wintour
Camilla was joined by a star-studded lineup at a solo event held at the New York Public Library Wednesday.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, singer Katherine Jenkins and authors Min Jin Lee and Harlan Coben were among the luminaries who gathered with Camilla at an event to promote her charity, the Queen’s Reading Room, which celebrates the power of reading.
“The first Americans, I met in life were the characters I met in my treasured childhood novels,” Camilla said in her remarks, according to reporters traveling with the queen. “I knew even then, the books are best friends you can have, in good times and bad.”
She continued, “As many of us long suspected, books really are good for us. They also have a magic way of bringing people together with the ability to transcend any barrier."
Charles helps school kids feed chickens
After a series of formal events, Charles got to spend time outdoors with children Wednesday afternoon in New York.
The king, a known environmentalist, visited Harlem Grown, a nonprofit organization that helps teach kids about urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition, according to its website.
Charles was seen leaning over a fence to feed chickens alongside a group of kids during the visit.
Charles, Camilla pay respects at 9/11 Memorial
Charles and Camilla’s first stop in New York City Wednesday was the National 9/11 Memorial, where they met with families of Sept. 11, 2001, victims and first responders.
The royals were greeted by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who showed them the memorial and stood by their side as they laid a bouquet of flowers.
The flowers were accompanied by a note that read, “We honour the memory of all those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001, and stand in enduring solidarity with the American people in the face of such profound loss. Charles R Camilla R," according to reporters who are traveling with the king and queen.
Other elected officials in attendance at the memorial were New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Read Charles’ full toast at White House state dinner
King Charles’ toast at Tuesday night's White House state dinner included quips, sympathies and a special gift for President Donald Trump.
Charles delivered the toast in front of the president and first lady Melania Trump, Queen Camilla and a room full of attendees that included U.S. Supreme Court justices, elected officials, CEOs and professional golfer Rory Mcllory.
Read the full text of Charles’ toast HERE.