Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has kicked off a four-day state visit to the United States, pressing ahead despite the recent shooting incident at a Washington gala attended by his host, Donald Trump.
The visit comes at a tense moment in global politics, with strains over the Iran conflict still lingering.
Even so, both countries appear keen to use the trip to reaffirm long-standing ties as the US prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.
Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, is scheduled to address the US Congress becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The itinerary also includes a meeting over tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as well as a formal state dinner.
Midweek, the royal couple will travel to New York, where they are expected to visit the 9/11 memorial.
The trip will conclude in Bermuda, marking their first visit to the British overseas territory.
The decision to proceed with the visit followed the shooting at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a lone gunman opened fire near the venue.
One member of the president’s security detail was injured, but Trump and other guests were unharmed.
Buckingham Palace said the King was “greatly relieved” that no lives were lost. British officials also expressed confidence in the security arrangements for the visit, following consultations with US authorities.
Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Christian Turner, said both sides were satisfied that “appropriate security measures” were firmly in place.
