Photos show British royal visits to the U.S. over the years

World Photos show British royal visits to the U.S. through history as King Charles III makes a state visit By Kierra Frazier Kierra Frazier News Editor Kierra Frazier is a news editor for CBS News & Stations. Read Full Bio Kierra Frazier April 27, 2026 / 5:59 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google King Charles III is making a state visit to the U.S. this week, marking the first time the British monarch has visited the U.S. since becoming king in 2022. King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the U.S. from Monday to Thursday. On Tuesday, Charles will address a joint meeting of Congress and the royal couple will attend a banquet dinner at the White House. Then on Wednesday, they pay a visit New York City.Though it's Charles' first state visit to the U.S. as king, he traveled here 19 times before his coronation. Many of his royal relatives have also made memorable trips over the years, with experiences ranging from trying a hot dog for the first time to dancing with actor John Travolta.Here's a look back at some British royal visits to the U.S., both official and unofficial.1939: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit Washington, D.C. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during their royal visit on June 9, 1939. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The first official state visit of reigning British monarchs was in June 1939, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother, visited the U.S. before World War II. During a picnic hosted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, King George VI ate a hot dog for the first time.1951: Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip visit Washington, D.C.  Britain's Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stand with President Harry Truman, his wife Bess and his daughter Margaret in the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., in 1951. AP Photo In October 1951, then-Princess Elizabeth and Princ...