Five key takeaways from King Charles’s historic US Congress speech
King Charles III delivered a historic speech to the US Congress, becoming the second British monarch to do so after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He emphasized the enduring 'special relationship' between the UK and the US, highlighting shared democratic values and transatlantic cooperation. The address, met with 12 standing ovations, drew parallels to global challenges from 1991 and today.
- ▪King Charles III is the second British monarch to address a joint session of the US Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II's speech in 1991.
- ▪He received 12 standing ovations during his speech, which focused on the UK-US 'special relationship' and shared democratic principles.
- ▪The King referenced the 250th anniversary of American independence and acknowledged historical disagreements as foundational to both nations' democratic values.
- ▪His speech underscored the importance of NATO and cooperation amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
- ▪The state visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties amid current challenges in UK-US relations under President Donald Trump.
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NewsUKHome NewsFive key takeaways from King Charles’s historic US Congress speechKing Charles received 12 standing ovations as Congress listened to his speech in Washington DCBryony Gooch Wednesday 29 April 2026 13:06 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966986","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/king-charles-congress-speech-us-state-visit-trump-nato-epstein-b2966986.html","title":"Five key takeaways from King Charles’s historic US Congress speech"}}Huge cheers as King Charles hails importance of 'checks and…
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