King Charles III is scheduled to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress on April 28 during his first state visit to Washington as the reigning British monarch. The event comes amid ceremonies marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Congressional leaders from both parties issued a joint invitation emphasizing the significance of the speech. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the address as an opportunity for King Charles III to share his vision for the future of the U.S.-U.K. relationship and reaffirm a “special alliance” in a pivotal historical moment.
In their letter, the congressional leaders reflected on the “shared heritage and enduring friendship” between the two nations, noting the American democratic experiment’s roots trace back to British traditions. They referenced Queen Elizabeth II’s 1991 address to Congress, the last time a British royal spoke to U.S. lawmakers, to underscore the evolution of the bilateral relationship into one of the most consequential partnerships in modern history.
King Charles III’s address is part of a broader state visit from April 27 to April 30, his first as king, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. The visit follows a state visit by former President Donald Trump to the U.K. in September 2025.
Why it matters
The speech will reinforce the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and U.K., particularly significant during the 250th anniversary of American independence. It symbolizes ongoing transatlantic cooperation on political, economic, and security issues at a time of global uncertainty.
Background
The tradition of British monarchs addressing the U.S. Congress is rare, with Queen Elizabeth II’s 1991 address being the previous occurrence. This event highlights the historical and diplomatic importance of the shared democratic values that underpin the special relationship between the two countries.
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