King Charles III will address a joint meeting of the US Congress on April 28 during his state visit to Washington, DC, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced. The invitation, extended by the top four congressional leaders, highlights the "special relationship" between the US and UK as the nation marks its 250th anniversary of independence.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The King’s address, scheduled for April 28, follows a letter from congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D). They emphasized the "shared heritage and enduring friendship" between the two nations, citing Queen Elizabeth II’s 1991 address as a precedent.
The state visit, running from April 27–30, marks Charles’s first as monarch. President Donald Trump praised the trip as "TERRIFIC!" and a "momentous occasion."
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Survivors’ Request for Meeting
Virginia Giuffre’s family urged the King to meet with Jeffrey Epstein survivors during his visit, citing the one-year anniversary of her death. They praised Charles for stripping Prince Andrew of his royal titles but noted ongoing UK investigations may preclude such meetings. Buckingham Palace stated the King "will not be able to" meet survivors during this trip but left the door open for future discussions.
Diplomatic Tensions and Public Debate
Calls to postpone or cancel the visit arose amid rising US-UK tensions, including Trump’s criticism of Britain’s stance on Iran. Some readers argued the trip risks embarrassment, while others defended it as essential to the "special relationship."
Historical Context
The last British royal to address Congress was Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, underscoring the rarity of the event. The visit coincides with the US’s 250th anniversary, a milestone congressional leaders highlighted in their invitation.