Britain’s monarch, Charles III, is set to receive a full ceremonial welcome from Donald Trump at the White House and deliver a rare address to the US Congress, as part of efforts to ease tensions between Washington and London.
On the second day of his four-day state visit, King Charles is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” in relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, amid strains linked to disagreements over the Iran war.
The visit features traditional diplomatic pageantry, including a formal استقبال ceremony with a 21-gun salute and troop inspection. Charles and Camilla will also meet privately with Trump and Melania Trump in the Oval Office before attending a state dinner later in the evening.
The monarch’s address to Congress is expected to be a defining moment of the visit. He will become the first British sovereign to speak before the US legislature since Elizabeth II did so in 1991.
In his speech, Charles is expected to emphasise shared democratic values, highlighting the importance of unity in defending “liberty and equality” during a period of global uncertainty. He is also likely to underscore the enduring alliance between both nations, which marks 250 years since American independence.
The visit comes at a delicate time for transatlantic relations, with tensions heightened after Britain declined to support US military action in Iran. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism from Trump over his stance, though he has defended the diplomatic engagement.
Despite political differences, the visit reflects ongoing efforts to maintain the historic US-UK partnership. Following engagements in Washington, the royal delegation is scheduled to travel to New York to visit the 9/11 memorial before concluding the trip in Bermuda.
