King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress in Historic Speech

On 28 April 2026, King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. House and Senate at 3.06 p.m., accompanied by Queen Camilla. It was the first address by a British monarch to Congress, occurring roughly 250 years after the United States declared independence and denounced his ancestor George III. He framed it as a semiquincentennial celebration of the Declaration.

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The chamber was filled with Vice President J.D. Vance, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican leader John Thune, Senator Ted Cruz (who introduced the King to his daughters), and Senator Adam Schiff, who posted a reaction. Former President Donald Trump commented publicly. King Charles III, 77, was accompanied by Queen Camilla.

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The monarch thanked the United States and emphasized “interlinked destinies.” He quoted Oscar Wilde on shared language and noted the Magna Carta’s citation in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789. He recalled NATO’s Article 5 response after 9/11, voiced support for Ukraine’s defence, described Congress as “not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many,” and expressed pride in his Royal Navy service.

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Members of both parties rose for a standing ovation lasting about one minute, with applause and cheers from the floor and gallery. Pelosi, Thune, and Vance received visible applause, and Cruz’s introduction of the King was noted by the press.

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• 250-year interval since George III’s denouncement.

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• King Charles III, 77 years old.

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• Speech began at 3.06 p.m.

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• Magna Carta cited in >= 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789.

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The address omitted Iran, Israel, immigration and climate. Senator Schiff warned the United States “are at war with Iran, and without a friend to be found.” The King’s remarks on the Royal Navy and NATO were seen as rebukes of President Trump. Analysts called it a “soft-power flex” and a “charm offensive” aimed at Trump.

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By stressing shared legal heritage, joint security actions, and mutual respect, the speech reinforced the long-standing “special relationship.” The bipartisan applause suggests potential for continued diplomatic engagement despite domestic political divisions.

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• “We have ignored and assailed the British to the point where we are at war with Iran, and without a friend to be found.” — Adam Schiff, U.S. Representative, California

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• “They might be absolutely shocked but probably only for a moment. Surely they would be delighted that the wounds of war healed into the most cherished friendship.” — Donald Trump, former President

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• “not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many” — King Charles III

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