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**Washington, D.C. – April 29, 2026** – In a historic moment steeped in symbolism, King Charles III delivered a formal address to a joint session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, April 28, becoming only the second reigning British monarch to do so. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first when she spoke to lawmakers in 1991.
The address, delivered during a state visit accompanied by Queen Camilla, came at a time of global uncertainty and served as a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States. It coincided with preparations to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, offering both nations an opportunity to reflect on their shared history and future partnership.
King Charles spoke shortly after meeting President Donald Trump at the White House. The monarch received warm, bipartisan applause from members of Congress, with extended standing ovations at both the beginning and conclusion of his roughly 20-minute speech.
In his remarks, the King acknowledged the “times of great uncertainty” facing the world, including ongoing conflicts and recent acts of violence. “Let me say with unshakeable resolve: Such acts of violence will never succeed,” he declared, a statement that drew strong applause.
Drawing on the long arc of Anglo-American relations, Charles highlighted how the two nations moved from revolutionary conflict to close alliance. “Despite past differences, the United States and the United Kingdom have always found ways to come together,” he noted, referencing the spirit of reconciliation that followed the Revolutionary War.
The speech emphasized core shared values—democracy, liberty, tolerance, and the rule of law—tracing their roots to traditions such as the Magna Carta. The King stressed the importance of the transatlantic alliance in addressing contemporary security challenges, including strong support for Ukraine and the continued relevance of NATO.
He also touched on environmental conservation, a cause close to his heart for decades, framing it as a matter of national and global security. Light moments included references to Oscar Wilde on the differences between British and American English, and gentle nods to parliamentary traditions familiar on both sides of the Atlantic.
The tone throughout remained focused on unity, friendship, and forward-looking cooperation rather than specific policy disagreements. Observers described the address as warm, unifying, and well-received across party lines.
The royal visit continues with stops in New York and Virginia, further strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Full video of the address is available through C-SPAN, and excerpts have been widely circulated by major news outlets.
