King Charles US visit live: Monarch set to give historic address to Congress after meeting Trump at White House

The King will testify to Congress that while Britain and the United States have not always agreed on everything, the nations’ shared traditions mean “our two countries have always found ways to come together.”

The monarch’s remarks, made in speeches to both houses on Tuesday, will be seen as a tacit acknowledgment of the transatlantic tensions over the Iran war that have recently left Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at loggerheads.

Charles is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at the US president’s Washington dinner on Saturday night and offer “the greatest respect and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence in a show of solidarity and support.

This was only the second time a British monarch addressed a joint meeting of Congress; the first was the late Queen Elizabeth in 1991.

Members of Congress have called on King Charles to address the Jeffrey Epstein-related scandal during his high-profile state visit to the United States.

Some members of Congress have urged the monarch to meet with Epstein’s victims during his visit, but there is no indication such a meeting is planned.

The controversy has also affected the royal family more directly, through Charles’ brother Prince Andrew, who was arrested earlier this year over abuse allegations that he has denied.

Reflecting the pressure building around the visit, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna publicly called on the King to at least acknowledge the issue during his expected speech to Congress.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he prayed for the King and Queen during his four-day visit to the USA, describing them as “wonderful people”.

The royal trip comes amid security concerns following the weekend shooting at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump and strained transatlantic relations over the Iran war.

Dame Sarah Mullally made statements after her historic meeting with the Pope at the Vatican.

Asked whether he sympathized with the King about having to walk a difficult diplomatic tightrope during his visit to the US, the most senior Anglican cleric said: “I always remember His Majesty the King in my prayers, but also the Queen.

“And as always, I pray for them on this trip, and they are wonderful people who offer hospitality and greetings to so many people.”

Guests were given a distinctly British welcome at the British ambassador’s residence this afternoon with a garden party celebrating the state visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla with a menu steeped in tradition.

The menu featured classic flavors from Scottish smoked salmon with lemon and black pepper to roasted English beef paired with horseradish, with delicate finger sandwiches at the centre.

There were combinations like West Country cheddar with figs, as well as lighter options like cucumber and dill.

Delicious snacks go beyond sandwiches, with treats like aged cheddar and chive quiche and carefully crafted tomato, basil, cucumber and olive tarts.

The dessert table displayed an array of quintessential British desserts.

Guests can choose from scones served with strawberries and Devonshire cream, Bakewell tart slices, gingerbread and the ever-reliable Victoria sponge cake.

Traditional fruitcake completes the selection alongside more contemporary flavors such as raspberry, white chocolate and lemon cake.

To accompany the meal, guests were served Fortnum & Mason tea, which strengthened the English atmosphere of the afternoon, while Hambledon sparkling wine added a celebratory atmosphere.

King Charles will address the US Congress on Tuesday, becoming the second British monarch in history to do so.

Charles’ mother was the late Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth was the first British monarch to address US lawmakers on Capitol Hill, in 1991 during the George H. W. Bush administration.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit aims to restore UK-US ties and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This is Charles’ first trip to the US since becoming king in 2022. The royal couple visited the White House on Monday afternoon and then hosted a garden party at the British Embassy.

King Charles’ role in US-UK relations goes far beyond political squabbling, British deputy ambassador to the US James Roscoe said as King Charles made 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.

“It could be very helpful,” Roscoe said in an interview with Jake Tapper. “He is a constitutional figure, but most importantly, he is above politics. He is above politics in many ways.”

He said that despite the “rocky” start between the US and the UK, “we have evolved into the most important relationship in the last 250 years”.

“I think what the King can do is bring out the things that really bring us together,” Roscoe said.

He talked about King Charles’ visit to Arlington to further the US-UK defense relationship, his visit to the 9/11 memorial to commemorate both American and British victims, and “will celebrate economic ties.”

The visit is seen as more than symbolic. At a time when diplomatic tensions and policy differences between London and Washington occasionally surface, King Charles’ soft power, rooted in continuity, tradition and personal diplomacy, can serve as a stabilizing force.

King III. Charles arrived at the White House on Monday at a time when Trans-Atlantic ties are tense and security is at the forefront.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla as they arrived, posed for photos and chatted before heading inside the Green Room for tea.

Later, the couples headed down to the south grounds to see the new White House-shaped beehive that the First Lady installed last week.

Charles and Camilla support beekeeping.

As part of his support for the environment and sustainability, he keeps at least three beehives in his private residence in England.

The royal couple attended the garden party held at the British Embassy after their visit to the White House.