King Charles III visited Washington D.C. on Tuesday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and address the nation, aiming to strengthen the U.S.-U.K. relationship amid global political instability. The monarch's visit comes at a time of waning ties between the two allies and growing international tensions.
Address to U.S. Congress
In a historic speech to the U.S. Congress, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, King Charles acknowledged past disputes between the two nations but stressed their shared values. 'Ours is a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it,' he said. 'Our nations are in fact instinctively like-minded — a product of the common democratic, legal and social traditions in which our governance is rooted to this day.' The King described the bond as 'irreplaceable and unbreakable.'
Call to Avoid Isolationism
The King urged both countries to reject isolationism, stating, 'I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values, with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.' He emphasized that 'America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence.'
Response to Assassination Attempt
King Charles also addressed the recent assassination attempt on President Trump, which occurred near the Capitol. 'We meet in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord,' he said. 'Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed.'
Quoting Abraham Lincoln
The King concluded his speech by quoting President Abraham Lincoln: 'The world may little note what we say, but will never forget what we do.' He then addressed the U.S. on its 250th birthday, calling for a rededication to mutual service. 'Let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.'
White House Welcome
Earlier in the day, King Charles and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed at the White House by President Trump and the First Lady. Trump praised the King as a 'blessing' to the bilateral relationship, noting that 'in the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British.' The president recalled his Scottish-born mother's admiration for Charles, saying, 'My mother had a crush on Charles.'
The ceremony on the South Lawn included an honour guard, military band, cannon salute, and a flyover. Trump occasionally went off-script to praise the monarch.
State Dinner and Upcoming Engagements
Later Tuesday, the King and Queen were to attend a formal state dinner at the White House. The four-day state visit includes a trip to New York to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and engagements in Virginia celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
No Plans to Visit Prince Harry
During his U.S. visit, King Charles has no plans to see his estranged son Prince Harry, who resides in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle.
