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Sunday, Dec 28, 2025
Outside the box.
King Charles and Prince William Poised for Separate 2026 US Visits to Reinforce UK-US Trade and Diplomatic Ties
London explores royal engagements in Washington and beyond next year as negotiations over a formal trade agreement with Washington continue
Plans are advancing for significant visits by senior members of the British royal family to the United States in 2026 as part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen economic and strategic relations amid ongoing trade negotiations.
Buckingham Palace and British government sources indicate that King Charles III is expected to make a visit to the United States in April, marking the first time a reigning British monarch could travel to America since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2007. The trip, aligned with the United States’ two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, is being discussed at senior levels in London and Washington and is seen as a high-profile complement to formal government negotiations on an ambitious UK-US trade deal that has encountered sticking points.
In addition to the King’s potential April engagement, Prince William is also expected to travel to the United States later in the year, likely coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As President of the Football Association and a prominent global figure, William’s visit could further underscore the enduring ties between the two nations and support public diplomacy alongside formal trade discussions.
These royal trips are being framed by officials as part of an expansive diplomatic campaign focused on revitalising momentum in trade talks after Washington paused a previously announced multi-billion-pound tech partnership and broader negotiations over tariffs, digital services taxation and market access.
The proposed state visit by King Charles follows sustained efforts by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration to deepen engagement with the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term, including hosting the US president for a state visit in London in 2025 that highlighted investment commitments and cooperation across sectors.
While formal invitations and specific dates are yet to be confirmed, Whitehall and Palace representatives have signalled that the UK sees high-level royal diplomacy as a strategic asset in reinforcing the “special relationship” and advancing the unresolved trade agenda.
American officials have long expressed admiration for the British monarchy, and diplomats in both capitals view the prospective visits next year as opportunities to project shared values and strengthen cooperation at a pivotal geopolitical moment.
Buckingham Palace and British government sources indicate that King Charles III is expected to make a visit to the United States in April, marking the first time a reigning British monarch could travel to America since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2007. The trip, aligned with the United States’ two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, is being discussed at senior levels in London and Washington and is seen as a high-profile complement to formal government negotiations on an ambitious UK-US trade deal that has encountered sticking points.
In addition to the King’s potential April engagement, Prince William is also expected to travel to the United States later in the year, likely coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As President of the Football Association and a prominent global figure, William’s visit could further underscore the enduring ties between the two nations and support public diplomacy alongside formal trade discussions.
These royal trips are being framed by officials as part of an expansive diplomatic campaign focused on revitalising momentum in trade talks after Washington paused a previously announced multi-billion-pound tech partnership and broader negotiations over tariffs, digital services taxation and market access.
The proposed state visit by King Charles follows sustained efforts by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration to deepen engagement with the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term, including hosting the US president for a state visit in London in 2025 that highlighted investment commitments and cooperation across sectors.
While formal invitations and specific dates are yet to be confirmed, Whitehall and Palace representatives have signalled that the UK sees high-level royal diplomacy as a strategic asset in reinforcing the “special relationship” and advancing the unresolved trade agenda.
American officials have long expressed admiration for the British monarchy, and diplomats in both capitals view the prospective visits next year as opportunities to project shared values and strengthen cooperation at a pivotal geopolitical moment.
