**Excerpt:** King Charles III is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on April 28, 2026, during his first state visit to the U.S. as king.
Key Points
– King Charles III will address Congress on April 28, 2026.
– The address marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
– Congressional leaders invited the king to share his vision for U.S.-U.K. relations.
– The last British royal to address Congress was Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
– Charles’ visit is part of a broader state trip to the U.S. from April 27-30.
Address to Congress
On April 1, 2026, congressional leaders announced that King Charles III will speak at a joint meeting of Congress. This event is part of his upcoming state visit to Washington, D.C. from April 27 to April 30.
Congressional Invitation
The invitation was extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The leaders expressed that the address would offer a unique opportunity for King Charles to articulate his vision for the future of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, particularly during this significant historical moment.
Significance of the Visit
This address will coincide with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The congressional leaders highlighted the “shared heritage and enduring friendship” between the United States and the United Kingdom. They emphasized that the American experiment is deeply rooted in British traditions.
Historical Context
The last time a British royal addressed the U.S. Congress was in 1991, when Queen Elizabeth II spoke to lawmakers. The invitation referenced her address to underline the evolving partnership between the two nations, which has been described as one of the most important alliances in modern history.
This upcoming event will mark King Charles III’s first state visit to the United States as king, further solidifying the long-standing ties between the two countries.
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