Charles to tell Congress that US-UK relationship is one of ‘reconciliation and renewal’
While the UK and US have not always agreed on everything, the nations’ shared traditions mean that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together”, the King is set to tell Congress.
The monarch’s remarks in a speech to both chambers on Tuesday will be seen as a tacit acknowledgement of recent transatlantic strains over the Iran war, which have put Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at loggerheads.
Charles is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at a Washington dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and, in a show of solidarity and support, offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
It is only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being the late Queen Elizabeth in 1991.
Nick Lester28 April 2026 06:00
King Charles is under pressure to meet Epstein victims
Members of Congress have called on King Charles to address the scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein during his high-profile state visit to the US.
Some members of Congress have urged the monarch to meet with Epstein’s victims during his visit, though there is no indication that such an engagement is on his schedule.
The controversy has also touched the royal family more directly through Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, who was arrested earlier this year over misconduct allegations he has denied.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna publicly called on the King to at least acknowledge the issue during his expected address to Congress, reflecting the pressure building around the visit.
Shweta Sharma28 April 2026 05:42
Archbishop praying for ‘wonderful’ King and Queen during US visit
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said she is praying for the King and Queen as they embarked on a four-day state visit to the US, describing them as “wonderful people”.
The royal trip comes amid security concerns in the wake of the weekend shooting at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump and strained transatlantic ties over the Iran war.
Dame Sarah Mullally made her remarks following a historic meeting with the Pope at the Vatican.
Asked if she sympathised with the King on having to walk a difficult diplomatic tightrope on the US visit, the most senior Anglican cleric said: “I always hold His Majesty the King in my prayers and also the Queen in my prayers.
“And I pray for them for this trip, as always, and they are wonderful people who offer hospitality and greetings to so many people”.
Aine Fox28 April 2026 05:30
Scones and roasted British beef: What was served at the garden party
Guests at the British ambassador’s residence were given a distinctly British welcome this afternoon, as a garden party marked the state visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla with a menu steeped in tradition.
The spread leaned into classic flavours, with delicate finger sandwiches taking centre stage, from Scottish smoked salmon with lemon and black pepper to roasted British beef paired with horseradish.
There were also lighter options such as cucumber and dill, alongside combinations like West Country cheddar with fig.
Britain’s King Charles III attends a garden party at the British Embassy on day one of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s State Visit to the United States of America (Getty)
Savoury bites extended beyond sandwiches, with offerings including aged cheddar and chive quiche and neatly prepared tomato, basil, cucumber and olive tarts.
The sweet table showcased a range of quintessential British desserts.
Guests could choose from scones served with strawberries and Devonshire clotted cream, slices of Bakewell tart, ginger cake and the ever-reliable Victoria sponge.
A table is set for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to host Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Camilla for tea (AFP/Getty)
Traditional fruit cake sat alongside more contemporary flavours like raspberry, white chocolate and lemon cake, rounding out the selection.
To accompany the food, guests were served tea from Fortnum & Mason, reinforcing the afternoon’s British tone, while Hambledon sparkling wine offered a celebratory touch.
Shweta Sharma28 April 2026 05:17
King Charles to be second British monarch to address Congress
King Charles will address the US Congress Tuesday, becoming the second British monarch in history to do so.
Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was the first British monarch to address US lawmakers on Capitol Hill in 1991 during the George H. W. Bush administration.
Maira Butt28 April 2026 05:00
Drones, special forces and undercover agents: Inside the King’s ‘ring of security’ during his US state visit
Maira Butt28 April 2026 04:30
Photos show King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a 4-day visit to the US
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit is aimed at restoring UK-US ties and celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
This is Charles’ first trip to the US since he became king in 2022. The royal couple visited the White House on Monday afternoon, followed by a garden party at the British Embassy.
(Getty Images)
(Sky News)
King Charles and Queen Camilla join US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House for afternoon tea (Getty)
(Reuters)
Shweta Sharma28 April 2026 04:20
Visit by King ‘can help enormously’, senior British diplomat says
King Charles’ role in US–UK ties goes far beyond the political fray, James Roscoe, a deputy British ambassador to the US said, as the monarch undertakes a high-profile visit to the US
Speaking to CNN, he suggested that the King’s presence could help steady a relationship that has shown signs of strain in recent months.
“He can help enormously,” Roscoe said in an interview with Jake Tapper. “He is a constitutional figure, but crucially, he is above politics. In many ways, he transcends it.”
He said that despite a “rocky” beginning between the US and UK, “we’ve developed into the most important relationship over these last 250 years”.
“I think what the King can do is he can draw out those things that really pull us together,” Roscoe said.
He referred to King Charles’ visit to Arlington to further the US-UK’s defence relationship, visiting the 9/11 memorial to commemorate both American and British victims, and “he’ll celebrate the economic ties.”
The visit is being viewed as more than symbolic. At a time when diplomatic tensions and policy differences have occasionally surfaced between London and Washington, King Charles’ soft power – rooted in continuity, tradition and personal diplomacy – could serve as a stabilising force.
Shweta Sharma28 April 2026 04:10
Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla visiting the White House
Rachel Dobkin28 April 2026 04:00
Recap: King Charles III arrives at the White House
King Charles III arrived at the White House on Monday with trans-Atlantic ties under strain and security in the spotlight.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla as they arrived, posing for photos and exchanging small talk before they went inside for tea in the Green Room.
Afterward, the couples went down to the south grounds to see a new beehive in the shape of the White House that the first lady had installed last week.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla join Sir Christian Turner, British ambassador to the US, and his wife Claire Turner at a garden party at British Embassy in Washington DC (PA)
Charles and Camilla both support beekeeping.
He keeps at least three beehives at his private residence in England as part of his support for the environment and sustainability.
After the White House visit, the royal couple attended a garden party at the British Embassy.
Shweta Sharma28 April 2026 03:59