JD Vance refuses to clap as King Charles calls for peace in Congress speech | Royal | News
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: King Henry III. Charles speaks to a joint session of Congress as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) look on at the U.S. Capitol on April 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. King III. In his first visit to the United States as British monarch, Charles addressed Congress as part of a multi-day trip to the nation’s capital, New York City, and Virginia, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
King Charles addressed members of the US Congress on Tuesday to a standing ovation, celebrating the bond between the US and the UK with a message of unity amid rising global tensions.
However, not all leaders responded positively to His Majesty’s speech.
King Charles was married to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. She became the second monarch to speak before the American legislature, following in Elizabeth’s footsteps.
King took the podium before Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Throughout his speech, the two locked hands along with the rest of Congress in response to Charles’ words of unity and solidarity.
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But the head of state also raised issues such as support for Ukraine and the “collapse of critical natural systems”; These issues conflict with the President Donald TrumpThe attitude of Britain and America declaring that its essence was “the duty to promote compassion, to promote peace” and “to value all people of all faiths and none.”
At some points, footage from the House Chamber revealed Vice President J.D. Vance refusing to applaud the British monarch.
The King said: “In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO first invoked Article 5 and the United Nations Security Council united against terrorism, we responded to that call together, as our people have done shoulder to shoulder for more than a century, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and the moments that defined our common security.
“Today, Mr. Speaker, the same resolute determination is needed in the defense of Ukraine and its bravest people; it is needed to secure a truly just and lasting peace.”
King Charles delivers his speech to Congress (Image: undefined)
The majority of the room responded with applause, but Vance remained in his seat and refused to participate.
Charles spoke of the ties forged between former enemies the United States and Britain, in the midst of a four-day state visit to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
“The Alliance that our two nations have built over the centuries and for which we are deeply grateful to the American people is truly unique,” the King said.
Addressing House Speaker Mike Johnson, he continued: “Mr. Speaker, I believe this partnership is more important today than ever.”
Guest speakers on Capitol Hill traditionally receive brief standing ovations at points of interest to politicians, and King was given the honor when he referred to the shooting of the President.
He was also met with enthusiastic applause and cheers when he described America’s Founding Fathers as “brave and creative rebels with a cause.”
