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Updated 28 April 2026 - King Charles III will address a joint session of the US Congress today, emphasizing unity between the two nations as diplomatic tensions linger.
Speech highlights shared values amid tensions
King Charles III is set to deliver a 20-minute address to US lawmakers this afternoon, stressing the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States. His remarks, crafted with input from the UK government, will include a call to "stand together to defend democratic values" during a period of global instability.
The monarch is expected to say, "Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together," according to advance excerpts. He will also express sympathy for victims of a recent shooting in Washington, DC, which occurred just days before his state visit began.
"In times of great international challenges, it is more necessary than ever to defend the values of tolerance, liberty, and equality that bind us," the King will state, as reported by royal sources.
Diplomatic mission follows rocky relations
The speech comes at a delicate moment for UK-US relations. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's response to the Iran conflict, adding strain to the transatlantic partnership. Analysts suggest the King's address aims to reset the tone, framing the alliance as rooted in "a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion."
Royal aides indicated the King will highlight cooperation on NATO commitments and support for Ukraine as examples of shared priorities. His call for "reconciliation and renewal" is seen as an effort to bridge recent divisions.
State visit underscores symbolic gestures
The four-day trip, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II's 2007 visit, began with a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by US and UK officials, including British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner, before a band played both nations' anthems.
At the White House, the royal couple met President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the South Portico, which is currently under renovation. During their visit, they toured a newly expanded beehive shaped like a miniature White House-a nod to the King's passion for beekeeping.
Queen Camilla wore a brooch combining the US and UK flags, originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 during a visit to repair ties after the Suez Crisis. The accessory symbolized the trip's broader goal: reinforcing diplomatic bonds during the US's 250th anniversary of independence.
Garden party and domestic advocacy
Later, the King and Queen attended a garden party at the UK Embassy in Washington, where over 600 guests-including politicians, scientists, and military figures-gathered. The event featured British beef sandwiches, sourced from the first tariff-free shipment under a recent trade agreement, as a subtle diplomatic gesture.
Queen Camilla spent time speaking with advocates for domestic abuse survivors, including representatives from House of Ruth, a support organization. Sandra Jackson, a campaigner, praised the Queen's focus on the issue, calling it "a cause very close to her heart."
"It's a sign of progress that such a prominent figure is addressing this publicly," said Michelle DeLaune, another advocate who met the Queen.
However, calls for the royal couple to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein went unanswered, with officials citing concerns about interfering with ongoing legal proceedings. Epstein survivor Rina Oh told the BBC she hoped the King would "hear our stories" and use his platform to acknowledge their experiences.
Security tightens after recent attack
The visit's security has been heightened following a gunman's attack at a Washington event attended by President Trump two days prior. The incident has cast a shadow over the state visit, though officials have not altered the itinerary.
After today's Congress speech, the King and Queen will attend a state dinner hosted by President Trump, where the US leader is expected to deliver his own remarks. The evening will bring together politicians and celebrities from both nations.
