WASHINGTON — Britain's King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing the enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States during his state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, delivered the remarks on April 28 in the House chamber, becoming the first British sovereign to address Congress since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke there in 1991. Lawmakers from both parties gave the king multiple standing ovations during the speech, which highlighted shared history and the importance of the bilateral partnership.
King Charles told members of Congress that the alliance between the two nations “is truly unique” and that the challenges facing both countries are “too great for any one nation to bear alone.” He added that “time and again our two countries have always found ways to come together,” according to transcripts and video of the address released by the Royal Family and broadcast by C-SPAN.
The speech formed the centerpiece of the four-day state visit, which began on Monday with the royal couple’s arrival at Joint Base Andrews. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the visitors, including a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening following the congressional address.
The visit coincides with preparations in the United States to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Congressional leaders from both the House and Senate invited the king to speak as part of the observances.
In his remarks, King Charles referenced the deep historical ties between the two nations while looking toward future cooperation on global issues. He expressed gratitude to the American people for hosting the visit. Details of any specific policy proposals or references to current geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, were not highlighted in initial reports of the speech.
The address was largely ceremonial in tone, consistent with the constitutional role of the British monarch as head of state. No immediate reactions from Trump administration officials to the content of the speech were released Tuesday evening.
The royal couple is scheduled to continue the state visit with stops in New York and Virginia before departing later this week. Further details on additional engagements during the trip were not immediately available from Buckingham Palace or the White House.
As of Tuesday, the king’s full address remained available via official broadcasts and transcripts.
