Preparations for King Charles III's upcoming US visit saw an unusual slip in Washington, DC, where officials briefly displayed Australian flags instead of British ones near the White House.
The error, confirmed by a District of Columbia Department of Transportation official, involved 15 Australian flags being placed among more than 230 flags set up to welcome the monarch. The mistake was quickly corrected, with the Australian flags replaced by British ones.
Although Charles is also the head of state of Australia, the role remains largely ceremonial.
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High-profile visit amid strained ties
The visit, scheduled from April 27 to April 30, is expected to be one of the most significant of his reign. It coincides with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule and comes at a time when ties between the two countries face challenges.
The trip is aimed at reinforcing the long-standing "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom, which has recently come under strain.
During the visit, Charles will travel to Washington, DC, New York and Virginia. He is also set to deliver a joint address to the US Congress, marking the first such speech by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II addressed lawmakers in 1991.
The British and Australian flags line 17th Street for the arrival of King Charles. pic.twitter.com/hj4Y0IlCfd
— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) April 24, 2026
9/11 memorial ceremony in New York
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani will join the king for a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial, reported News 18. The event will honour those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, including 67 British nationals.
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Officials have said there are no plans for a private meeting between the mayor and the monarch during this part of the visit.
Meetings and diplomatic outreach
Donald Trump is expected to meet King Charles privately and host a state banquet in honour of him and Queen Camilla.
Speaking about the monarch, Trump said, "I know him well… he's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive," highlighting expectations that the visit could help improve ties between the two allies.
