WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare and historic moment on Capitol Hill, His Majesty, King Charles III, addressed Congress Tuesday during his U.S. state visit.
The King’s joint address is one stop of the four-day state visit. But it’s a visit that many were unsure would happen following events in D.C. over the weekend.
Despite heightened security concerns following Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the King and Queen’s visit is moving forward this week without delay.
U.S. and U.K. officials have spent the past few days reassessing and coordinating additional protections ahead of the U.S. visit, which also includes stops in New York and Virginia.
After spending the first half of Tuesday at the White House, Charles became the first king and just the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress, following his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991.
The visit underscores a long-standing alliance between the two nations, especially since World War II — an alliance both sides say still matters greatly to this day. The trip was also planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.
In the afternoon joint address, the King took the opportunity to highlight unity — saying the U.S. and U.K. stand shoulder-to-shoulder, amid political friction, climate change concerns and global tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. The King emphasized the importance of NATO, and the defense of Ukraine and its people, with a goal of “a truly just and lasting peace.”
The King said the story of the U.S. and the U.K. is — at its heart — a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership.
“From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history. I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth and across the world,” said the King. “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with the president and the first lady at the White House earlier, where they were welcomed with a full state arrival ceremony and military honors.
The king’s role is largely symbolic, not so much political. However, it’s clear the royal visit comes with an effort to reinforce one of the world’s closest alliances.
