King Charles III stood before a joint meeting of the United States Congress on Tuesday to deliver a sweeping address that celebrated the historic bond between the United States and the United Kingdom, called for peace amid escalating global conflicts, and condemned political violence following the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The address marked only the second time in history that a British monarch had spoken before Congress, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the weight both nations have placed on the visit at a moment of considerable geopolitical tension.
“We meet in times of great uncertainty; in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East, which pose immense challenges for the international community, and whose impact is felt in communities the length and breadth of our own countries,” Charles told lawmakers. “We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your nation. Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed.”
The speech touched on the founding of the American nation, the deep and enduring nature of the transatlantic alliance, environmental stewardship, and the urgent need to foster peace in regions currently consumed by conflict. Climate and environmental causes have long been personal priorities for the King, and he wove them prominently into his address.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with Charles in the Oval Office, a session described as warm and productive despite the backdrop of strained relations between Washington and London over the ongoing Iran war. After the meeting concluded, Trump personally escorted the royal couple to their car as they departed for Capitol Hill ahead of the congressional address.
Speaking briefly to reporters afterward, Trump offered an enthusiastic assessment of the encounter. “It was a really good meeting. He’s a fantastic person. They’re incredible people and it’s a real honor,” the president said.
The day began with a traditional military arrival ceremony on the White House South Lawn, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump formally welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla. Trump drew laughter from the gathered crowd with a light-hearted opening remark about the occasion. “What a beautiful, British day this is,” he quipped, nodding to Britain’s famously rainy weather.
Following his address to Congress, Charles was scheduled to meet with executives from the technology sector before returning to the White House for a state dinner held in the royal couple’s honour on Tuesday evening.
The four-day official state visit, which runs through Thursday, April 30, includes engagements in Washington D.C., New York, and Virginia. The visit is being closely watched internationally as both a symbol of the resilience of the U.S. and U.K. relationship and as an opportunity to navigate diplomatic tensions that have emerged between the two longtime allies over the course of the Iran conflict.
Queen Camilla is accompanying the King throughout the visit, which is expected to conclude with further meetings and ceremonial engagements before the royal couple departs American soil on Thursday.
