King Charles and Queen Camilla will fly to Washington today to start a four-day state visit, despite security concerns after a gunman tried to storm a dinner President Trump was hosting.
Britain's ambassador to the US confirmed that 'all appropriate security measures' are in place, with the palace confirming the visit would 'proceed as planned' despite what the White House called an attempted assassination of the president.
Sources told the Daily Mail the monarch is determined to 'keep calm and carry on' – and that if the Government wants him to travel, 'that's exactly what he will do'.
The royal couple were initially visiting Washington DC, New York and Virginia to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence - but also to help strengthen the special UK-US relationship, which has been under serious strain in recent months.
The visit is the most important foreign trip of the King’s reign so far but now has the added element of increased security concerns.
It comes at a pivotal moment for the UK and US, with relations between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the American leader fractious.
05:52
What do we know about the attack?
Suspected gunman, identified by authorities as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California reportedly charged a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun and several knives at the White House Correspondent's Dinner on Saturday.
Allen was tackled by agents after a brief but terrifying exchange of gunfire in the hotel lobby.
One Secret Service agent was shot but was wearing a bulletproof vest and escaped without serious injury. As many as eight shots were fired during the incident.
Despite the quick reaction of security services, Allen had managed to come within 100 yards of President Trump as well as dozens of key officials.
Mr Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were hurried off the ballroom stage after the gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents.
Authorities said Allen, a Democrat-supporting, 31-year-old teacher had checked in as a guest at the hotel.
He is reported to have told officers he wanted to shoot officials in the Trump administration.
05:40
King keeps calm and carries on
King Charles has vowed to persevere with his State Visit to the US today despite an apparent assassination attempt on the President.
Sources told the Daily Mail the monarch is determined to 'keep calm and carry on' – and that if the Government wants him to travel, 'that's exactly what he will do'.
On Sunday, Buckingham Palace confirmed the King and Queen Camilla wanted to 'do their duty' – they are expected to arrive as planned on Monday afternoon.
However, an urgent security review was under way in light of the dramatic incident in the US capital on Saturday and some 'modest operational adjustments' will be made to 'a few elements' of Their Majesties' programme.
05:31
Good morning
Thanks for joining us as we follow along live to the King's state visit to the US.