King Charles is set to make history next month by becoming the first British monarch to address the United States Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, according to reports. The three-day state visit will include a White House state dinner, a stop in New York City, and a speech to a joint meeting of US lawmakers in Washington.
The visit, which precedes America's 250th anniversary, proceeds despite tensions between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump over the war in Iran. Trump recently said he was 'looking forward' to meeting Charles, despite calls for the trip to be postponed. The US president has criticised the UK's approach to the conflict as 'terrible' and described Sir Keir as 'not Winston Churchill'.
The White House, Buckingham Palace, and the British government are all determined the visit goes ahead, allowing the King to pay tribute to Americans for their independence anniversary. Royal aides have conducted a 'recce' in the US as part of planning. The trip follows Trump's visit to London last September, where he attended a state dinner hosted by Charles at Windsor Castle.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently addressed the UK Parliament in honour of America's 250th anniversary, highlighting the special relationship between the two nations. The royal family's soft power diplomacy is seen as a unique way to engage with Trump, who is known for his admiration of the monarchy.
Sir Keir has distanced the UK from the Iran conflict, stating he remains focused on British interests. A recent YouGov poll found 46 per cent of Britons believe the King should cancel the visit.
