King Charles Addresses Congress During State Visit

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.

Allen, a part-time teacher, former engineering student, and game designer, faces three felony charges, including attempting to assassinate President Trump. He remains in custody after a hearing. " Security at the event involved law enforcement agencies that executed procedures effectively, preventing casualties beyond the attempt.

The White House Correspondents' Association, an independent group, organized the dinner, where Trump was a guest.

Trump declared the shooting underscored the need for a White House ballroom, stating construction is on budget and ahead of schedule. The administration asked a judge to lift a block on the project, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sending a letter threatening to dismiss a related lawsuit if not dropped.

The ballroom project involved demolishing the East Wing last fall, funded by private donations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued over lacking plans, environmental assessments, and congressional authority. A federal judge halted work, but an appeals court allowed it to proceed temporarily.

Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, stated the organization acknowledges the utility of a larger space but requires congressional approval. Allies like Meghan McCain and Senator John Fetterman supported speeding construction, citing the incident.

Days before the shooting, comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked that Melania Trump looked like an "expectant widow" in a skit about the dinner. President Trump called for Disney to fire Kimmel over the quip. The skit aired two days prior to the incident. Trump snapped at CBS News reporter Norah O'Donnell for questions about the incident.

The event has cast a shadow over King Charles's visit, which continues amid these developments. Sources differ on some details: Fox News and GB News emphasized the historic nature of the congressional address without contradictions. The Atlantic noted Trump's long interest in a ballroom, referencing a 2010 offer rebuffed by David Axelrod.

No major contradictions emerged on core facts like the suspect's identity or visit itinerary.