LONDON, April 26 (Xinhua) — A state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to the United States would go ahead as planned, despite a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening, British media reported.
“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,” Sky News quoted a palace spokesperson as saying on Sunday.
In the afternoon, Britain’s Palace officials and U.S. government members held discussions about the King’s planned visit to Washington following last night’s shooting, it is reported.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening was interrupted by what appeared to be a security incident at the event, as gunshots were heard and U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated in an emergency.
A suspected gunman has been apprehended, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social. The shooter was belived to have acted alone, and the investigation is underway.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to commence a state visit to the United States starting Monday to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence, according to the royal family.
The royal couple’s visit came amid strained Britain-U.S. relations, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to join the ongoing conflict involving Iran – dismissing Trump’s criticism, while Trump has threatened to impose “big tariffs” on Britain over its digital tax targeting American tech companies. ■
