King Charles III will be visiting the United States next week.
‘Hats Not Encouraged’: The Surprising Wardrobe Rule Raising Eyebrows Ahead of King Charles III’s Washington Visit
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to arrive in the United States next week for an official state visit.
However, news of their U.S. visit is drawing attention for a rather peculiar reason -- a minor, yet unusual change in dress code.
Charles and Camilla are scheduled to attend the royal garden party in Washington, D.C.
Invitation to guests attending the party has raised eyebrows for its unusual note that hats are "not encouraged."
What the Royal Garden Party Invitation Note Actually Said
Rob Crilly shares the invitation note sent to guests attending the royal garden party in Washington, D.C.
According to Rob Crilly of the Washington Examiner, who obtained a copy of the invitation, the dress code for the garden party specifies lounge suits and day dresses for general guests, with the note "Hats Not Encouraged."
In a post on X, Crilly shared the note, which features the address and attire guidelines for guests.
Military personnel have been asked to wear service dress with ribbons.
Notably, this marks Charles’ first visit to the United State since his coronation.
Hats and fascinators have traditionally been part of the dress code for royal garden parties, a convention dating back several centuries.
Male guests have also historically worn top hats with suits at such events.
Crilly noted in the Washington Examiner that the visit comes amid strained relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, citing Trump's public criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He said that the omission of hats would not have occurred under former U.S. Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, whom he described as having an impressive collection of headgear including "tiaras, fascinators, and at least one cowboy hat."
King Charles' Visit Expected to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The Buckingham Palace announced on March 31 that Charles and Camilla would travel to the United States for an official state visit.
The announcement said the trip would "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 visit follows public tensions between the two countries after Trump wrote on Truth Social criticizing the United Kingdom, suggesting, "You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself."
He added that the United States would not fight British wars and referenced the U.S. military's role in the Iran conflict, writing, "The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!"
The Buckingham Palace has further stated that the visit is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries.