King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their state visit to the White House on April 27, 2026. This visit marks a historic moment as King Charles addressed Congress on April 28, becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The visit is hosted by President Donald Trump and coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence. During his address, King Charles praised the US-UK alliance as “one of the most consequential alliances in human history.” He emphasized the importance of international alliances like NATO.
In his speech, King Charles made light-hearted references to historical events such as the Boston Tea Party. He stated, “I am here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security.”
Following his address, King Charles delivered a toast during a lavish state dinner at the White House. The dinner came after speeches from both him and President Trump, who humorously noted that King Charles got Democrats to stand for him—something he had never achieved.
The royals also visited significant sites during their trip, including the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Their itinerary includes a garden party and a block party in Virginia.
Key moments from King Charles III’s visit:
- First British monarch addressing Congress since 1991
- Praise for US-UK relations as crucial for global stability
- Humorous remarks about historical events
- State dinner following official speeches
- Visit includes memorial tributes and public celebrations
The significance of this visit extends beyond ceremonial duties. It offers an opportunity for King Charles III to act as a mediator amid ongoing US-UK tensions over issues such as the Iran war.