King Charles III Addresses US Congress During State Visit, Meets President Trump

King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of the US Congress on Tuesday, receiving standing ovations for remarks on shared values and the importance of checks and balances on executive power. The speech referenced historical ties between the US and UK, including quotes from Oscar Wilde and mentions of past leaders like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.

Lawmakers gave a standing ovation when the king highlighted the importance of checks and balances. The monarch's address also touched on environmental protection and the need for unity in defending shared values with partners in Europe and the Commonwealth.

He joked about commonalities between the two nations, drawing laughter from the audience. This marked the first time a British king has spoken to Congress.

in the day, King Charles III and Queen Camilla received a ceremonial welcome at the White House, complete with gun salutes, bugles, and a military flyover. President Donald Trump delivered a speech praising the king's elegance and the noble spirit of the British people.

The two leaders held a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office with senior officials present. President Trump described the king's congressional speech as great and expressed jealousy over it. Gifts were exchanged, including a framed replica of the Resolute Desk's design plans from the king to the president, and a custom replica of a 1785 letter from John Adams to John Jay from President Trump to the king.

the evening, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a state dinner at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The menu featured a hearts of palm salad, spring herb ravioli, Dover sole meunière, and a beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau made with honey from the first lady's beehive.

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were among the attendees, along with Republican lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and tech leaders. Guests included tech leaders. " — President Donald Trump, April 29, 2026 (Independent) Prior to the dinner, the king met with tech leaders and entrepreneurs at Blair House in Washington, D.C. The visit included a fife and drum performance observed by the king and President Trump.

The royals arrived in the US the previous day at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, greeted by a guard of honor and national anthems.

The state visit occurs as the US nears the 250th anniversary of its independence from Britain. King Charles III expressed pride in alliances like AUKUS and defended NATO and the Royal Navy from rebukes. A palace spokesperson stated the king was deeply honored by the invitation and touched by the warm response to his speech.

A commentator described the address as brilliant, bold, and the best speech of the king's life. The king also attended a British embassy garden party where he interacted with guests, including former officials. The visit comes amid tensions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Sources noted the king's speech promoted democratic values and environmental safeguards, receiving applause for calls to avoid inward-looking policies. One source reported the king sought to acknowledge abuse survivors in his speech, according to a palace aide.

Video footage captured lawmakers giving a standing ovation when the king underlined checks and balances. An informal smoking ban was in place on Capitol Hill for the king's visit. The royals' itinerary included a White House military ceremony and observations of troops marching on the South Lawn.