WASHINGTON — King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday during his state visit to Washington, the second time a British monarch has spoken to the body.
The king delivered the remarks in the House chamber on April 28, invited by congressional leaders to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla on the four-day state visit, which began on April 27.
Buckingham Palace and congressional leaders announced the address earlier this year. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries extended the invitation in April, citing the opportunity to reaffirm the U.S.-U.K. alliance.
The speech comes as the royal couple meets with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. The king and queen arrived at Joint Base Andrews on April 27 and were welcomed at the White House on Monday. A state dinner at the White House is scheduled for Tuesday evening following the congressional address.
This marks the first state visit to the United States by King Charles III since he ascended the throne in 2022. It is only the second address to a joint meeting of Congress by a British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the previous one in 1991 during her state visit.
Details of the content of the king's address were not immediately available in full from official transcripts shortly after delivery. Reports indicated it focused on the shared history and alliance between the two nations, in line with the commemorative purpose of the visit.
The visit includes stops in Washington, with later travel planned to New York and Virginia through April 30. The program features ceremonial events, bilateral meetings and cultural engagements.
Congressional leaders from both parties participated in hosting the king on Capitol Hill prior to the address. President Trump hosted the royal couple at the White House for an initial meeting on April 27.
No immediate reactions from U.S. or British officials to the substance of the speech were available as of late Tuesday. The state visit continues with the scheduled dinner and further events in the coming days.
The royal couple is staying at Blair House during the Washington portion of the trip. Further details on additional public remarks or private meetings remain unclear at this time.
