King Charles III is set to deliver a rare address to a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” in UK-US relations against the backdrop of tensions over the Iran conflict.
The speech — the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II addressed Congress in 1991 — is expected to last around 20 minutes. It will focus on reinforcing the long-standing transatlantic alliance, even as policy differences have surfaced in recent weeks.
The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, arrived in the United States on Monday, landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He was received by US chief of protocol Monica Crowley and British ambassador Sir Christian Turner, with a ceremonial welcome that included national anthems. Later, he met Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House for tea, followed by a garden reception at the British embassy.
The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence and is widely seen as a soft-power effort by London to steady relations at a delicate moment. Security in Washington has been tightened following a recent shooting incident at a White House event, which the King is expected to briefly acknowledge while expressing sympathy.
His address comes amid visible friction between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Britain declined to back US-led military action against Iran. Trump has openly criticised Starmer, describing their relationship as strained, and has also taken aim at his positions on the war, immigration and energy policy. Starmer, while opposing the war, has nonetheless defended the significance of the state visit.
According to royal aides, King Charles III will recognise these differences while underscoring continuity in the partnership, noting that both nations have repeatedly found ways to align. He is expected to describe the alliance as “one of the greatest in history” and stress the importance of unity in confronting global challenges.
The monarch will also highlight the defence of democratic values as essential to liberty and equality, and advocate closer cooperation on shared priorities such as NATO, the Middle East, Ukraine and the AUKUS pact. Themes of tolerance, peace and mutual understanding are expected to feature prominently in his remarks.
On Tuesday, King Charles III will receive a full ceremonial welcome at the White House, including a 21-gun salute and inspection of troops, followed by his congressional address and a state dinner hosted by Trump. The royal couple will then travel to New York on Wednesday, including a visit to the 9/11 memorial, before departing for Bermuda on Thursday.
