King Charles’ state visit to the United States is set to go ahead in just a few days, but security measures for the royal are under review after the shooting in Washington DC last night.
An apparent would-be assassin stormed a dinner event where Donald Trump was preparing to address top US journalists last night.
Now, Buckingham Palace has revealed that a ‘number of discussions will be taking place’ with their US counterparts to see if the shooting last night will impact planning for the historic state visit.
The Palace said: ‘The King is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed.’
Speaking about the attack earlier today, Chief Secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News: ‘As you would imagine, with His Majesty the King, this week our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
He added: ‘As you would imagine, the government and the Palace were in close cooperation with American counterparts in advance of the visit anyway, and further discussions will be taking place today, ahead of next week.’
The King and Queen are due to visit the US for a state visit at the end of April.
The president has promised them ‘a beautiful banquet dinner’ and revealed the ‘historic state visit’ will take place over four days from April 27-30 – despite Buckingham Palace deciding not to release the exact dates in its own official announcement.
‘I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!,’ Trump said at the time of the announcement.
It’s expected that the Americans will roll out the red carpet for the King, despite celebrating 250 years without British rule.
Trump will also likely give a tour to Charles around the White House – though he was quick to say that he won’t show off as many historic items to the King.
During his state visit this year, Trump joked, ‘You know what? I’m going to treat you to a state dinner, you can come to the US, and I’m not going to drag you around the Lincoln Memorial. You can just have dinner and then go to bed.’
The transatlantic trip will be subject to the King being well enough, with the 77-year-old head of state currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Charles was last in Washington, DC, for the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in Washington, but he’s met many Presidents.
He is expected to be joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, for the landmark visit.
Charles has made more than a dozen overseas trips since becoming King, including state visits to France, Italy and Kenya.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Panicked JD Vance’s words during Washington shooting revealed by lip-reader
MORE: Trump ‘was still focused on optics even as gunman tried to barge into ballroom’
MORE: Correspondents’ Dinner attendee goes viral for refusing to let gunman ruin meal
