King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress Amid Diplomatic Tensions
During his state visit, King Charles III delivered a speech to the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the enduring U.S.-UK alliance and addressing global challenges.
King Charles III delivered a historic address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on April 28, 2026, marking the first time a British monarch has spoken before Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The speech underscored the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States, especially as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary of independence.
In his remarks, King Charles highlighted shared democratic values and called for renewed collaboration to address global challenges such as conflict, climate change, and defense. He emphasized the importance of NATO and the AUKUS alliance, noting that these partnerships "build greater shared resilience for the future, so making our citizens safer for generations to come."
The King also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging support for the nation against Russian aggression. He recalled NATO's invocation of Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks, stressing the alliance's significance in maintaining global security.
During his visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a state dinner at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump. The visit comes amid diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and the UK, including disagreements over the conflict in Iran and trade issues. Despite these challenges, the King's address aimed to reinforce the longstanding "special relationship" between the two nations.
The royal couple's itinerary also includes visits to New York City, where they will attend a 9/11 Memorial event, and Virginia, where they will participate in community and cultural engagements.