King Charles III will speak to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in late April, the first British monarch to do so in over 30 years and part of events marking America’s 250th anniversary. The visit aims to reaffirm the U.S.-U.K. alliance even as tensions linger over U.S. foreign policy and Britain’s stance on the war in Iran. Lawmakers also hope to press the king on issues tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and actions taken regarding Prince Andrew.
King Charles III To Address U.S. Congress Amid Tensions Between Washington And London
FILE - President Donald Trump gestures next to Britain's King Charles III before leaving Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
King Charles III will deliver an address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in Washington in late April, becoming the first British sovereign to speak before American lawmakers in more than three decades.
Visit Marks 250th Anniversary And A Moment For Diplomacy
Congressional leaders announced the planned joint address, saying it is part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence from Britain. They framed the speech as an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between the two countries and to outline a shared vision for the future.
Tensions In The Background
The visit comes at a time of strain in the U.S.-U.K. relationship. Lawmakers point to questions raised by President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign-policy approach about the U.S. commitment to European allies, and recent disagreements — including Britain’s decision not to back U.S. involvement in the war in Iran — have tested the alliance.
“The American experiment endures in no small part because of the British tradition from which it sprang,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wrote in a joint letter to the king. “We believe an Address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history.”
In Britain, some members of Parliament urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit after criticism from President Trump over Parliament’s stance on the conflict with Iran. Starmer decided to proceed with the visit, saying officials hope the state events will help smooth bilateral tensions.
FILE - Queen Elizabeth II is applauded by Vice President Dan Quayle and House Speaker Thomas Foley before her address to the U.S. Congress on May 16, 1991 in Washington. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, file)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Epstein, Survivors And Questions For The Monarchy
Some U.S. lawmakers plan to use the opportunity to press issues related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna requested a private meeting between the king and survivors of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell so they can speak directly about institutional failures and the abuse they endured.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison; she is pursuing legal avenues that argue procedural problems affected her trial.
In Britain, scrutiny of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures has been intense. Last year, King Charles removed titles and public roles from his brother, Prince Andrew — now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — and asked him to vacate a royal residence after sustained pressure over his relationship with Epstein. Andrew has repeatedly denied any criminal wrongdoing.
Historical Context
The ceremonial pomp of state visits by the British monarch is often used to reinforce diplomatic bonds. Queen Elizabeth II was the last British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress, doing so in 1991; Charles’s address will mark a notable moment in U.S.-U.K. relations amid complicated geopolitics.
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