King Charles III is set to deliver a historic address to the United States Congress during his upcoming state visit, marking a significant moment in UK–US relations, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday.
The visit, scheduled to begin on April 27, will be Charles’s first official trip to the United States as monarch. He will be accompanied by Queen Camilla and is expected to address a joint session of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress.
According to palace officials, the four-day visit is aimed at highlighting the shared history between the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
The trip comes amid political tensions, including disagreements between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over international issues. Despite calls from some British politicians for the visit to be postponed, Starmer has described it as important for maintaining longstanding bilateral relations.
During his stay in Washington, the king is expected to meet with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, attend a state dinner, and participate in a military review. US House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that the address to Congress will take place on April 28.
Charles will become the first British monarch to address Congress since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1991.
Beyond Washington, the royal couple will travel to New York, where they are scheduled to meet first responders and families affected by the September 11 attacks. The visit will also include engagements with business leaders and events linked to The King’s Trust, a charity supporting young people.
The tour will continue to the state of Virginia, where the couple will participate in commemorations tied to early colonial history, before concluding in Bermuda on May 1.
The visit is expected to underscore enduring diplomatic and historical ties between both nations while reinforcing the monarchy’s role in international engagement.
