King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a state visit to Washington, D.C. [1]
This visit marks the first time King Charles III has traveled to the United States since ascending the throne [2]. The address serves as a diplomatic cornerstone to reinforce the strategic alliance between the two nations during a period of global instability.
The King was joined by Queen Camilla and President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol [3]. The event was part of a broader state visit commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence [4]. During the proceedings, the King said that the United Kingdom and the United States share an "irreplaceable and unbreakable relationship" [5].
President Donald Trump welcomed the monarch to the capital. "We are proud to welcome His Majesty to the United States," Trump said [6].
In his speech, which began at 3 p.m. EDT [7], the King called for continued international support for Ukraine [8]. He said the current state of diplomacy is a new era for U.K.-U.S. relations, focusing on shared values, and security interests [8].
Media coverage of the event was extensive, with special broadcasts running from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT [7]. The visit included meetings between Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump, further cementing the social and diplomatic ties of the state visit [3].
“The United Kingdom and the United States share an irreplaceable and unbreakable relationship.”
The timing of this visit, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S., allows both nations to publicly reset their diplomatic tone. By explicitly calling for Ukraine support and emphasizing an 'unbreakable' bond, the British monarchy is signaling a desire for continuity in security cooperation regardless of shifts in U.S. political leadership.
