Story perspectives

King Charles III Addresses Congress on US 250th Anniversary

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

King Charles III addressed a session of the U.S. Congress on April 28, 2026, the first monarch to do so since 1991.
The visit coincided with the United States’ 250th independence anniversary.
President Donald Trump hosted the royal couple at a White House lawn ceremony and met them in Oval Office.
The visit proceeded despite rain and a recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, featuring a garden tour, beehive display, and children’s activities.

History

Historical Context

In May 1991 Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, a hallmark of the post-Cold-War “Special Relationship.” King Charles III repeated the gesture during his state visit on 28 April 2026, the first royal address in Washington since that 1991 speech and timed with the United States’ 250th independence celebration.

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Story summary

King Charles III addressed a session of the U.S. Congress on April 28, 2026, the first monarch to do so since 1991.
The visit coincided with the United States’ 250th independence anniversary.
President Donald Trump hosted the royal couple at a White House lawn ceremony and met them in Oval Office.
The visit proceeded despite rain and a recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, featuring a garden tour, beehive display, and children’s activities.

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