In a rare diplomatic gesture, King Charles III is scheduled to address both houses of the U.S. Congress during an upcoming state visit to the United States. The appearance, set for April 28, 2026, marks only the second time in history that a British monarch has spoken before the U.S. Congress, with the previous occurrence being a speech delivered by Queen Elizabeth II at the Capitol in 1991.
The visit, taking place from April 27 to April 30, 2026, coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence. According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the King’s address is a central component of the trip. This high-profile event underscores the enduring importance of the “special relationship” between the two nations, even as they navigate complex modern geopolitical challenges.
The visit comes amid a backdrop of diplomatic friction. Buckingham Palace stated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that the trip serves as an opportunity to “highlight the shared history of our two nations, the breadth of the relations (…) and the deep bonds that unite our peoples.” However, the atmosphere remains strained due to tensions over the conflict in the Middle East. Specifically, U.S. President Donald Trump has recently criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for failing to support the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran.
Despite these frictions—and calls from some UK lawmakers to cancel the trip—Prime Minister Starmer has defended the necessity of the royal visit. The engagement is expected to include a meeting with President Trump, though reports indicate that some interactions, such as those at Windsor, have occurred behind closed doors.
This diplomatic mission arrives at a critical juncture, as the ceremonial nature of the visit attempts to bridge the gap between historical ties and current political disagreements between Washington and London.
Charles III to address Congress during U.S. State visit
Late April visit to Washington
Royal activities during official visit
King Charles III’s address to Congress
