King Charles Addresses U.S. Congress, Emphasizes UK-US Alliance Amid Political Tensions

Britain’s King Charles III is set to deliver a historic address to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, reinforcing the long-standing “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States. The speech comes at a sensitive time, as political differences persist between the British government and U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the ongoing war on Iran.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently on a four-day state visit to the United States, carefully navigating diplomatic tensions while highlighting over 250 years of shared history between the two nations. The royal visit aims to strengthen transatlantic ties despite recent disagreements between President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT), the king’s address will mark only the second time a British monarch has spoken before the U.S. Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II’s landmark speech in 1991. The event stands as a centerpiece of Charles’s reign so far and will be followed by an official state dinner later that evening.

According to palace sources, the 20-minute speech will cover key global issues such as NATO, the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine. While the British government has advised on the content, King Charles has personally shaped much of the tone and language. The address is expected to stress unity, shared democratic values, and the importance of cooperation in promoting global security and economic stability.

Despite ongoing political differences, the king will highlight the resilience of the UK-US alliance, describing it as “one of the greatest alliances in human history.” The visit also includes meetings with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, along with appearances in New York and Virginia, where Charles will honor 9/11 victims and promote environmental initiatives.