Charles and Camilla privately contacted Trump and Melania to express sympathy, palace source says
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to attend the Royal Maundy service at St. Asaph Cathedral, marking only the second time in its history that this ancient Christian ceremony is held in Wales, Britain, April 2, 2026. REUTERS
Buckingham Palace said discussions would take place with US authorities on Sunday to determine whether a shooting at a dinner attended by President Donald Trump would affect planning for King Charles’ state visit to the US this week.
Trump was rushed out of the White House correspondents’ dinner by Secret Service agents on Saturday after a man opened fire on security personnel nearby, and authorities think the shooting likely targeted him and administration officials, Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said.
Blanche added that he was confident King Charles would be safe during this week’s visit to the United States.
A palace spokesperson said Charles was being kept fully informed of developments and was relieved that Trump, his wife and all guests had been unharmed.
“A number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with US colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit,” the spokesperson said.
Charles and his wife, Camilla, have also privately reached out to Trump and his wife – first lady Melania Trump – to express their sympathies, a palace source said.
The royal couple are due to arrive in the United States on Monday for a four-day trip that includes a private meeting with Trump and an address to Congress, marking 250 years since the US declaration of independence from British rule.
Read More: Trump was likely target of White House correspondents’ dinner shooting, says US official
British senior minister Darren Jones said earlier on Sunday the government would remain in close cooperation with US security services ahead of Charles’ visit and that extensive discussions already under way would continue in the coming days.
“In respect of His Majesty’s visit to the United States next week … our security services obviously remain in close cooperation in advance of that,” Jones told Sky News.
The visit comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government hopes the king’s trip will help reinforce the US-UK “special relationship” after recent diplomatic strains.
