Britain’s King Charles III will proceed with his planned state visit to the United States (US) despite a shooting incident at a Washington media gala, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday.
The attack occurred late Saturday during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, just two days before the monarch and Queen Camilla are due to begin their four-day trip.
The palace said the King was “greatly relieved” that President Donald Trump, Melania Trump and other guests were unharmed, reaffirming that the visit would continue.
“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,” the statement added.
UK minister Darren Jones noted that British and American security teams were “working closely to ensure the security arrangements are put appropriately in place” ahead of the visit.
The royal couple also privately reached out to the Trumps, expressing sympathy for those affected and gratitude to security personnel who prevented further casualties.
Trump disclosed that a law enforcement officer was shot at close range but was not believed to be critically injured.
During the visit, Charles is scheduled to address Congress and attend high-level engagements in Washington and New York, even as tensions over global issues threaten to cast a shadow over the historic trip.