King Charles will on Tuesday become only the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, using his speech to acknowledge recent strains in the special relationship while emphasising that the two countries have always found ways to come together. The address comes during a four-day state visit to Washington marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The king’s remarks follow threats by President Donald Trump to tear up a trade deal, mock the Royal Navy, and insult Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, driven largely by the UK’s refusal to join US and Israeli operations against Iran. The visit has also been overshadowed by an assassination attempt against Trump at a Washington media dinner on Saturday night, which the king is expected to reference briefly.
In his 20-minute speech, written on the advice of the government, Charles will reflect that while the UK and US have not always agreed over the past 250 years, their shared democratic, legal and social traditions—rooted in Magna Carta—mean they have repeatedly found ways to unite. He will highlight trade and technology deals vital to the economic partnership, and note that defence, intelligence and security ties are measured in decades.
The monarch will also address the global economic impact of the war on Iran, which critics call “Trumpflation”, and stress the importance of defending shared values to promote security and prosperity. He will praise America’s natural wonders and emphasise protecting “nature’s own economy”, while expressing his belief in a generosity of spirit and duty to foster compassion and peace.
Charles is expected to conclude that the story of both nations over 250 years is one of “reconciliation and renewal”, giving rise to one of the greatest alliances in history. Congressional leaders have welcomed the visit, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling Britain “no choicer ally” and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging the king to impress upon Trump the importance of Nato.
