King Charles’s US Visit: 9/11 Memorial, Trump’s Remarks on Iran and Strengthening US-UK Ties
King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded the New York City leg of their state visit on April 29, 2026, with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, where they honored the victims of the September 11th attacks. The visit followed a state dinner at the White House and an address to the U.S. Congress, aimed at reinforcing the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom. The trip also included remarks from former President Donald Trump, who suggested the King would have been helpful in addressing the situation in Iran.
Honoring the Victims of 9/11
The royal couple paid their respects at the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan, laying flowers at the memorial pools. King Charles and Queen Camilla also spoke with attendees and observed a moment of silence to commemorate the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 attacks. A handwritten note from King Charles, penned in his distinctive script, accompanied the flowers, stating: “We honour the memory for those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001. We stand in enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss.”
Trump’s Comments on Iran and the UK
During the state visit, former President Donald Trump publicly commented on King Charles, suggesting he would have been a valuable asset in addressing the situation in Iran. Trump stated, “If that were up to him, he would have probably helped us with Iran,” and also directed a critical remark towards U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. NBC News reported these comments on April 29, 2026.
These remarks came after Trump hosted the royals at a state dinner where King Charles made light of the President’s adjustments to the White House and referenced the Boston Tea Party. Trump later posted on his social media platform, expressing frustration with Iran’s nuclear policies.
Strengthening US-UK Relations
King Charles’s address to the U.S. Congress on April 28, 2026, emphasized the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the enduring “special relationship” between the U.S. And the U.K. The speech was intended to ease tensions between the two nations. NBC News noted that the address aimed to reaffirm the alliance between the two countries.
Departure from New York
Following the 9/11 Memorial visit and other engagements in New York City, King Charles and Queen Camilla departed Manhattan on April 29, 2026. The New York Police Department confirmed their departure and stated that the royal family’s visit concluded without incident. NBC News reported the NYPD’s statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Key Takeaways
- King Charles and Queen Camilla honored the victims of the 9/11 attacks during their visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
- Former President Donald Trump publicly praised King Charles and suggested his potential assistance in addressing the situation in Iran.
- King Charles addressed the U.S. Congress, reaffirming the importance of the US-UK “special relationship” and the role of NATO.
- The royal visit concluded without security incidents, as confirmed by the New York Police Department.