King Charles is set to address the United States Congress on Tuesday, delivering a message that highlights unity between the United Kingdom and the United States and promotes what the royal visit describes as the "special relationship." The address will take place during a four-day state visit to Washington, D.C., by the king and Queen Camilla, an event designed to underscore the long-standing ties between the two nations even as political disagreements persist.
The king's speech is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) and will be only the second time a British sovereign has spoken to a joint session of Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, previously addressed both houses in 1991. The address is a central component of what has been described as the most high-profile trip of Charles' reign and will be followed by a state dinner on Tuesday night.
According to a palace source, the speech should run about 20 minutes and will touch on subjects including NATO, the Middle East and Ukraine. While the text is produced on the advice of the British government, the source said much of the language and tone originate from the king himself. The central theme, the source added, will focus on the common challenges facing both countries and how they can advance international security and prosperity by defending shared values.
"Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together," the source said the king will tell lawmakers, and will describe the partnership as "one of the greatest alliances in human history."
The address occurs against a backdrop of strained interactions between the British government and U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Trump is described as a vocal admirer of the British royal family and has often referred to Charles as a "great man," he has clashed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government. Starmer's office has expressed hope that the state visit will reinforce the transatlantic relationship, which officials say has been under stress in recent months.
Tensions surrounding a U.S.-Israeli war on Iran have been part of the strain. The visit was planned long in advance, but it has unfolded amid disputes over that conflict after Trump publicly criticized Britain for declining to back the offensive. While Trump has reportedly eased his criticism in recent days, concern across the Atlantic was also sparked by an internal Pentagon email that outlined how Washington might review its position on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands.
The schedule of the visit began on Monday, when King Charles and Queen Camilla met with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump for a private tea at the White House. The royals subsequently attended a garden party at the British ambassador's residence, where they met media leaders, Washington socialites and U.S. officials.
Following the Washington events, the royals will travel to New York City on Wednesday to participate in commemorations for those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The trip concludes on Thursday in Virginia, where the king is scheduled to meet with individuals involved in conservation work, reflecting his longstanding advocacy on environmental issues.
This visit and the king's address to Congress are intended to emphasize continuity in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, showcasing diplomatic engagement even as specific policy disagreements remain unresolved.