King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Garden Party Invitation Breaks Centuries-Old Tradition

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to attend a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington DC during their state visit to the United States, but guests are being discouraged from wearing hats, breaking a centuries-old royal tradition.

The visit, scheduled between Monday, April 27 and Thursday, April 30, 2026, marks the first time a British monarch has visited the US since Queen Elizabeth II was hosted by President George Bush in 2007. According to an invitation obtained by the Washington Examiner’s Rob Crilly, the event will include a “Hats Not Encouraged” dress code alongside the customary guidance of lounge suits for men and day dresses for women.

Royal garden parties have long been associated with elaborate headwear, with women traditionally wearing fascinators, feathers, flowers, or beads, and men sometimes opting for top hats with their suits. The shift away from this expectation represents a noticeable departure from established royal etiquette, as noted by USA Today and confirmed in reports from the Economic Times.

The state visit will also include a formal banquet at the White House on April 28, 2026. Buckingham Palace has stated that the trip aims to “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.”

Queen Elizabeth II made four official visits to the United States during her reign, in 1957, 1976, 1991, and 2007. Meanwhile, Charles visited the US 19 times while serving as Prince of Wales. This upcoming visit will be his first as monarch.

The invitation’s dress code instruction has drawn attention as a subtle but notable shift in royal protocol, adding intrigue to an already historic diplomatic engagement.