politics
King Charles Addresses Congress During State Visit
King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of Congress during his U.S. state visit, focusing on reconciliation between Britain and America. The visit follows an attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner by suspect Cole Tomas Allen.
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III and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington for a four-day state visit to the United States, marking the first such trip by a British monarch since 2007. They were greeted at Joint Base Andrews with a military band and honor guard, followed by national anthems.
The visit aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and strengthen transatlantic relations. The royal couple met President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the White House South Lawn, where Trump extended a firm handshake and Melania kissed Queen Camilla on both cheeks.
They held private discussions in the Green Room over tea. King Charles resisted what appeared to be a strong handshake pull from Trump.
Charles addressed a joint meeting of Congress, becoming the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. In his speech, he spoke of reconciliation and renewal in the history between Britain and America. The address occurred on the second day of the visit.
“I'm going to do my impersonation of you, that's not bad. The king responded with amusement, saying "keep trying." The event drew 650 guests, including British and American figures. Attendees included diver Tom Daley, CNN presenter Kaitlan Collins, soccer player Esme Morgan, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senator Ted Cruz, and Speaker Mike Johnson. Guy Pelly, a friend of Prince William, was also present. Guests enjoyed 3,000 handmade sandwiches with Scottish smoked salmon and roast beef, followed by scones.”
An attempted assassination occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where suspect Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, opened fire. Prosecutors stated Allen targeted President Trump. He sent a message to family members before the attack and called himself a "friendly federal assassin" in writings.
