King Charles III is set to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, delivering a message of unity and renewal as his state visit unfolds against a backdrop of tense diplomatic relations between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The king is expected to tell lawmakers that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together,” according to advance excerpts of his speech. It will mark the first address to Congress by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The address, the centerpiece of the second day of a four-day state visit, comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the U.K.’s reluctance to become involved in the ongoing Iran conflict.
Security across Washington is exceptionally tight, with the visit beginning just two days after a gunman stormed an event attended by the president in the capital. The king is expected to express sympathy over the attack in his remarks.
In his 20-minute address, written on the advice of the U.K. government, Charles will argue that during times of great international challenges, standing together to defend democratic values is more necessary than ever. He will also call for “reconciliation and renewal” of the transatlantic partnership and advocate for shared values of tolerance, liberty and equality.
According to royal sources, the king will urge that these beliefs be defended—whether through supporting NATO or protecting Ukraine—and will tell U.S. lawmakers that the alliance is built on a “generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none.”
Arrival and White House welcome
The king and Queen Camilla arrived Monday at Andrews military airbase in Maryland, where they were greeted on the runway by U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and the British ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner.
At the White House, they were welcomed by President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Portico. The royal visitors had tea in the Green Room and were shown a newly expanded beehive rebuilt in the shape of a miniature White House—a gesture intended to appeal to Charles, a known beekeeping enthusiast.
The state visit, carried out on behalf of the U.K. government, is seen as a soft-power effort to strengthen relations during the year of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Garden party diplomacy
Later Monday, the couple attended a crowded garden party at the British embassy, hosting more than 600 guests from politics, science, charities and the military. Among the political figures were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Ted Cruz and U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Queen Camilla spent time speaking with women representing organizations campaigning against domestic abuse. Sandra Jackson, who works for the House of Ruth supporting survivors of domestic violence, said the queen told her it was “a cause very close to her heart.”
The queen wore a brooch combining the British and U.S. flags—a gift given to the late Queen Elizabeth II by the mayor of New York during a 1957 state visit that aimed to repair the U.K.-U.S. partnership following the Suez Crisis.
Epstein calls rebuffed
There have been calls for the king and queen to meet survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but that has not happened due to concerns about jeopardizing ongoing legal proceedings. Survivor Rina Oh told the BBC it would be “so impactful” if the monarch used his congressional speech to “acknowledge us.”
Jackson said she “respected their decision” while welcoming the attention Queen Camilla was bringing to the issue of domestic abuse.
Tuesday’s schedule
Following a ceremonial military welcome at the White House on Tuesday, the king will deliver his address to both houses of Congress. President Trump will later speak at a state dinner at the White House, bringing together politicians and celebrities from both nations.
