King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit New York City on Wednesday as part of their closely watched diplomatic visit to the U.S., with a few different stops around Manhattan.
The royal couple’s swing through the city comes midway through a four-day trip marking 250 years of American independence. It will be the first trip to New York by a reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2010 — one of four state visits she made.
The question for those trying to get to work or school: Will the royals’ visit to NYC become a royal pain for anyone looking to get around?
Here’s what events the King and Queen are expected to attend, and what the security measures could mean for commutes.
Where will the royals be going?
The day begins in lower Manhattan, for a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in recognition of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the terror attacks. The royals will meet with first responders and victims’ families.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to be among dignitaries who will meet the king at the 9/11 Memorial event, though a spokesperson has said the two have not scheduled any private meeting.
The royals have separate events, too. Queen Camilla will visit the New York Public Library’s Fifth Avenue location to gift a new “Roo” doll to the library’s famed collection, adding to the display of Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga and Tigger that were donated nearly 40 years ago.
The dolls on display served as the inspiration for the characters in A.A. Milne’s children’s books, and were owned by the English author’s son, the real-life Christopher Robin, in the 1920s. The beloved children’s story turns 100 this year.
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Meanwhile, King Charles is expected to visit an after-school, urban farming effort that works with young people affected by food insecurity, as well as meet later with business and financial leaders in Manhattan.
The royal couple are then expected to attend a reception at Rockefeller Center for the King’s Trust, a charity Charles founded in 1976.
The four-day trip is Charles’ first state visit to the U.S. since he became king. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made four state visits to the U.S.
King Charles III delivered an address to Congress in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, urging lawmakers to uphold the balance of powers, support Ukraine and defend the environment against climate change.
Will there be road closures?
That can be expected, certainly in lower Manhattan and around midtown during the morning and afternoon. Hundreds of Secret Service agents will be joined by the FBI, NYPD and Port Authority officers as they they work to keep the royals safe.
The level security does not come due to any new specific threats to the city, but rather as a precaution. Tight security will be in place for each of the events set for Wednesday.
There will be at least one subway impacted as well. The 1 train will skip World Trade Center Cortlandt in both directions from 5:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., but still will be stopping at nearby Rector Street or Chambers Street stations.
NBC New York’s Jonathan Dienst contributed to this report.
