Minister casts doubt on King Charles’ public walkabout during US state visit after White House press dinner shooting
Minister casts doubt on King Charles’ public walkabout during US state visit after White House press dinner shooting
Millie CookeMon, April 27, 2026 at 9:44 AM UTC
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A government minister could not confirm if the King would take part in a walkabout on his state visit to the US after adjustments were made to his security arrangements following an attempted shooting in Washington.
King Charles’ security was reviewed following an attempted attack on Donald Trump at a dinner on Saturday night, with the Palace confirming on Sunday that the visit would proceed.
Asked about whether he would take part in a walkabout on the trip - an informal public walk taken by members of the Royal Family to greet members of the public - environment minister Emma Reynolds told Times Radio: "I can't comment specifically on the security provisions. But what I will say is that every measure is taken to protect the King and the Queen.
“And they will obviously have looked very carefully at the events of the weekend, which were very, very concerning.
King Charles with US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle during the president’s 2025 state visit to the UK (PA) (PA Archive)
“But every measure will be taken. The King's security is something that is planned and they schedule weeks and months in advance. But obviously, they will be looking at what happened over the weekend."
Charles and Camilla’s security arrangements were discussed in the wake of Saturday’s violent incident at a Washington media dinner where Mr Trump, the first lady and senior figures from his administration were bundled from the room by the secret service after shots were fired.
Following questions over whether or not the visit would go ahead, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday night that it would proceed after “discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day”.
“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the visit getting underway tomorrow [Monday]”, the palace added.
It is understood there will be some modest operational adjustments to one or two royal engagements during the trip but the overall plan remains as previously outlined.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos on Saturday night after the attempted attack, which saw shots fired, prompting the US President to be swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents along with other senior members of his administration.
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Speaking to Fox News on Sunday about the King’s state visit, Mr Trump said: “He’s coming and we’re going to have a great time.”
He added: “He’s a great guy, and we look forward to it. He’s really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative, and he’s brave.
“We’re gonna have a great time. And he represents his nation like nobody else can do it.”
The suspect, said to have been carrying a shotgun and handgun, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
He is understood to have been a guest in the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was being held. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting attorney general Todd Blanche said additional charges will be filed.
The president posted pictures on his Truth Social platform of the alleged assailant handcuffed on the ground following his detention, and described him as a “lone wolf whack job”.
Mr Trump – who was attending the annual dinner for the first time as president – vowed to reschedule the disrupted event at a late-night press conference following the shooting, which he said had “unified” political opponents and the media.
It is understood that the King and Queen reached out privately to the US president and first lady over the weekend to express their sympathies with all those affected by the shooting and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.
The historic visit, the King’s first visit to the US as monarch, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and herald the start of celebrations across the US.
The royal couple, who will begin their visit with a private tea hosted by the president and first lady, are also expected to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that brought down New York’s Twin Towers.
Later, Mr Trump and the King are expected sit down for talks in the White House’s famous Oval Office while Camilla and Melania Trump take part in an event together.
Source: “AOL General News”
