King addresses US Congress on state visit

King Charles has addressed a joint meeting of the United States Congress, during the first state visit to America by a British monarch for almost 20 years.

The King's speech on 28 April received around a dozen standing ovations. It was only the second address by a British monarch to a joint meeting of Congress, after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

A four-day visit

The King and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on 27 April for a four-day state visit hosted by President Donald Trump. The last state visit by a British monarch was in 2007, when the Queen was hosted by President George W Bush.

The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, and Buckingham Palace says it is intended to highlight the historic connections and modern relationship between the two countries.

Repairing relations

The visit comes at a difficult time for relations between Britain and the United States. The two countries have disagreed over the war with Iran, and some MPs had urged the government to cancel the visit.

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said the King could help to mend the rift, and Trump told the BBC that the visit could absolutely help repair relations between the two countries.

Security

Security was increased after a gunman tried to enter the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington on 25 April, an event attended by the president. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the visit would go ahead with reassessed security arrangements.

Trump's visits

Trump has made two state visits to Britain, in 2019 and in September last year. This is the first state visit he has hosted during his second term.

Andrew and Epstein

The visit has taken place amid continuing attention in the United States on the links between the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Congressional committees have been examining the case, and police in Britain are also looking into the matter.

A personal note

The King did not meet his younger son, Prince Harry, who lives in California, during the visit.

The King has made many visits to the United States during his life, and has a long-standing interest in the environment and in the ties between the two nations. His address to Congress touched on the shared history and values of Britain and America.