King Charles to proceed with US state visit despite shooting

King Charles and Queen Camilla will proceed with their four-day state visit to the United States as planned, Buckingham Palace confirmed Sunday, despite a shooting at a Washington media gala less than 48 hours before their arrival. The palace said the king was "greatly relieved" that President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other guests were unharmed in the late Saturday incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where one police officer was shot at close range but did not suffer critical injuries. The royal couple privately reached out to the Trumps to express sympathies with those impacted and gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury. Senior UK minister Darren Jones said security teams in both countries are "working closely to ensure the security arrangements are put appropriately in place" for the visit. The incident, which the president dismissed as the work of a "lone wolf whack job," has prompted a review of security arrangements for the royal visit, though officials have emphasized it will proceed as scheduled. The visit comes at a particularly strained moment in the traditionally close US-Britain relationship. The ongoing conflict with Iran, contentious tariff policies and the president's criticism of NATO have created significant friction between the allies. President Trump has publicly dismissed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, derided British military capabilities and, according to reports, the Pentagon has signaled support for Argentina's position on Falkland Islands sovereignty. Despite these tensions, officials have indicated the visit's purpose is to emphasize that the relationship transcends individual personalities and is rooted in enduring shared interests and values between the two nations.