King Charles III on Tuesday will deliver a rare speech to a joint session of the US Congress, where he is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” in relations between the US and the UK, amid tensions over the Iran war.The speech, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991, is expected to last about 20 minutes and focuses on strengthening the long-standing alliance between the two countries, even as political differences persist.King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, arrived on Monday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where he was received by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner, in addition to a reception that included the national anthem.
He later met Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House for tea, before attending a reception in the garden of the British Embassy, Agence France-Presse reported.The visit marks the 250th anniversary of US independence, and is seen as a soft power effort by London to stabilize relations at a sensitive moment. Security was tightened in Washington after the shooting at a White House dinner attended by Trump, and King Charles III is expected to refer briefly to it in his speech while expressing his sympathy.
His speech comes against the backdrop of tensions between Trump and Keir Starmer, after Britain refused to support US-led military action against Iran. Trump publicly criticized Starmer, saying their relationship was “never good.” He also repeatedly criticized the British Prime Minister for his opposition to the war, as well as his government’s immigration and energy policies. Starmer, despite his public criticism of the war, has defended the state visit.According to royal aides, King Charles III will acknowledge these differences, while emphasizing the continuity of the partnership, noting that “our two countries, time and time again, always find ways to work together.” He is expected to describe the alliance as “one of the greatest alliances in history” and stress the need for unity in facing global challenges.King Charles III will stress that defending democratic values is “crucial to freedom and equality,” and calls for cooperation on shared priorities including NATO, the Middle East, Ukraine and the AUKUS agreement.
He is also expected to highlight the values of tolerance and peace, describing the transatlantic alliance as rooted in “generosity of spirit” and the duty to promote mutual understanding.The British monarch will receive a full ceremonial reception at the White House on Tuesday, including a 21-gun salute and an inspection of troops, before his speech and a state dinner hosted by Trump. The royal couple will travel to New York on Wednesday, including a visit to the September 11 Memorial, before departing for Bermuda on Thursday.