King’s landmark visit to Bermuda confirmed
Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles III is to make an historic visit to the island next month despite the current global turmoil.
It will follow a state visit to the United States — the King’s first as monarch.
The Times has reported King Charles as describing it as a “difficult time” for the UK’s relationship with its allies, against a backdrop of calls for the US trip to be dropped over tensions regarding the ongoing Iran War.
The US President, Donald Trump, was said to be looking forward to “spending time with the King”. The newspaper also referenced the Bermuda visit.
The Guardian reported concern by British MPs over the timing of the US visit while Mr Trump’s war with Iran continues.
Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, said he was “delighted” to announce the first sovereign visit to the island in 16 years, and the 77-year-old monarch’s first call upon a British Overseas Territory since his coronation in 2023.
“The visit is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions Bermudians make in their communities, the wider British family in Bermuda and around the world,” Mr Murdoch said.
“It will also strengthen the UK's modern partnership with Bermuda, deepening the cultural, economic and societal ties between us.”
Mr Murdoch added: “His Majesty’s last official visit to Bermuda was in 1970, to read the Speech from the Throne, officially opening the 350th year of parliamentary government in Bermuda.” He has visited the island on two other occasions.
Members of the Royal Family have been making regular visits to Bermuda since Queen Victoria's 64-year reign.
However, Elizabeth II was the first monarch to visit Bermuda, in November 1953, at the start of her world tour to visit her subjects around the globe.
She next came to Bermuda in February 1975, for a two-day visit. In 1976 and 1983, she made brief stopovers at the Civil Air Terminal for refuelling for visits to the US and to the US and Canada, respectively.
Her next official visit was for two days beginning on March 8, 1994. Her November 2009 visit was the culmination of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of English settlement of Bermuda. It also began 56 years to the day since she first travelled to the island.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of the President of the United States, the King and Queen will undertake a state visit to the United States of America.
“Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“The King will then continue to Bermuda to undertake His Majesty’s first Royal Visit as monarch to a British Overseas Territory.”
The statement added: “This will be His Majesty’s first state visit to the United States.
“Queen Elizabeth II undertook four outward state visits to the US in 1957, 1976, 1991 and 2007.
“As Prince of Wales, His Majesty visited the United States 19 times, including with the then Duchess of Cornwall on their first joint official tour in 2005.
“Since 1952, there have been four inward state visits by a President of the United States, in 2003, 2011, 2019 and most recently 2025.
“His Majesty, as Prince of Wales, previously visited Bermuda in 1970. Queen Elizabeth II’s last visit as Sovereign to Bermuda was in November 2009.
“This will be the first visit by a reigning King to the island.
“The Duchess of Gloucester was the most recent member of the Royal Family to visit Bermuda, in October 2025.”
Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, took part in the annual picking of Bermuda Easter lilies. The flowers were grown at Windybank Farm and will be delivered to the King and Queen tomorrow, in good time for Good Friday.
A spokeswoman for Government House said: “The cherished tradition of sending Easter lilies has been in place for many decades and brings a small piece of Bermuda to the royal household every year.
“This year, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, lilies will also be sent to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, the regiment’s Colonel in Chief.
“With huge thanks to Malcolm and Benn Smith for providing the flowers, as well as those at British Airways for their support in getting the flowers to their destination.”
• Extra reporting by Sarah Lagan
