Story perspectives

King Charles to Address Congress on Trump-Hosted U.K. Visit

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

King Charles III will address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, the second monarch to do so.
President Donald Trump will host the king and Queen Camilla in Washington, D.C., April 27-30, 2026.
Trump told the BBC the visit could repair U.S.–U.K. relations and called Charles ‘fantastic’.
The itinerary includes a White House arrival with a 21-gun salute, an Oval Office meeting, a state dinner and stops in New York and Virginia.

History

Historical Context

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s May 1939 address to a joint session of Congress, introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, echoed earlier symbolic speeches at Independence Hall, such as President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 address. The venue’s tradition of high-profile talks—highlighted by the July 16, 1987 joint meeting marking the Connecticut Compromise’s 200th anniversary—frames King Charles III’s planned 2026 Capitol speech hosted by former President Donald Trump.

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Story summary

King Charles III will address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, the second monarch to do so.
President Donald Trump will host the king and Queen Camilla in Washington, D.C., April 27-30, 2026.
Trump told the BBC the visit could repair U.S.–U.K. relations and called Charles ‘fantastic’.
The itinerary includes a White House arrival with a 21-gun salute, an Oval Office meeting, a state dinner and stops in New York and Virginia.

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