King Charles III to Address U.S. Congress, Highlighting Strained but Enduring UK–US Alliance
King Charles III is set to address the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, using one of Washington’s most prestigious platforms to underscore the enduring, if currently strained relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
The speech marks a historic moment, as Charles becomes the first British monarch to address Congress since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1991. Her remarks emphasized shared democratic values and deep-rooted ties, themes the king is expected to revisit amid a more complex political backdrop.
The address is among the highest honors extended to global figures, previously granted to leaders such as Winston Churchill, Václav Havel and Pope Francis. It is also expected to be the centerpiece of Charles’ four-day U.S. visit, which coincides with events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Earlier in the day, the king, accompanied by Queen Camilla, will meet President Donald Trump at the White House. While such meetings have occasionally proven unpredictable during Trump’s presidency, the monarch’s strictly apolitical role and Trump’s well-known admiration for the royal family may temper tensions. A state banquet is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
The visit unfolds during a challenging period in transatlantic relations. Trump’s relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has deteriorated in recent months, particularly over disagreements بشأن international support for the war in Iran. The president has publicly criticized Starmer, drawing unfavorable comparisons to wartime leader Winston Churchill.
Trade tensions have also escalated. Trump has imposed tariffs on British goods and threatened further measures, including potential penalties tied to the U.K.’s digital services tax on American technology firms. These moves come despite legal constraints following a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting unilateral trade actions.
More broadly, Trump’s foreign policy has unsettled traditional alliances, with proposals to annex Greenland, repeated criticism of NATO, and ongoing disputes with Canada — a fellow Commonwealth nation.
Complicating the visit further are political sensitivities in Washington. Some lawmakers have urged the king to address issues linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which has indirectly touched the royal family. There is no indication Charles plans to engage with the matter publicly.
Despite the tensions, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have expressed hope that the visit could help stabilize relations. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the king’s presence may “go a long way toward repairing” ties between the two longstanding allies.
Charles and Camilla arrived in Washington on Monday, where they attended a tea with the president and first lady. Their U.S. itinerary continues later this week with visits to New York City and Virginia.
