Trump says King Charles will be very safe during US state visit after security talks

US President Donald Trump has said that King Charles III will be very safe during his upcoming state visit to the United States, following fresh security discussions between the White House and Buckingham Palace. The visit is scheduled to begin on Monday, with both governments moving to reassure the public that arrangements remain on track despite heightened security concerns raised after a recent incident in Washington DC involving an armed intruder at a presidential event.

The comments came after a gunman managed to gain access to an area near an event attended by Trump in Washington DC on Saturday, prompting a rapid response from security services and raising questions about protective measures ahead of the royal visit. When asked about the implications for the King’s arrival, Trump told CBS’s 60 Minutes that the White House grounds are “really safe” and expressed confidence in the security arrangements being put in place for the four day programme.

The state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla is expected to proceed largely as planned, according to Buckingham Palace. Officials have confirmed that while additional security coordination has taken place, there are no major changes to the schedule. The visit is being closely managed by both British and American security teams, reflecting the high profile nature of the trip and the importance of maintaining stability in diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

The UK government has also emphasised the significance of the visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties between London and Washington at a sensitive political moment. The UK ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner, said the visit would focus on “renewing and revitalising a unique friendship” between the two nations. He also confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had spoken directly with Trump following the security incident to ensure coordination remained strong ahead of the King’s arrival.

Despite recent concerns, both governments have maintained that the programme will continue without major disruption. The King and Queen are expected to be formally welcomed at the White House by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the start of the visit. The schedule includes a series of official engagements designed to highlight diplomatic, cultural, and historical ties between the UK and the US, with security remaining a central focus throughout the trip.

The incident in Washington has underscored the heightened sensitivity surrounding high level state events, particularly those involving global leaders. However, officials on both sides have sought to project confidence that the necessary protections are in place, and that the visit will proceed smoothly as planned.