King Charles III meets Trump, addresses congress in bid to ease US-UK tensions

King 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 United Kingdom and United States.

On the second day of a four-day state visit, the British monarch is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal,” amid strains in the long-standing transatlantic alliance, often described as the “special relationship.”

The day’s events will feature elaborate ceremony, including a traditional استقبال with a 21-gun salute and inspection of troops, alongside Queen Camilla. The US president and Melania Trump are also expected to host the royal couple at the Oval Office, followed by a state dinner at the White House.

The visit follows a more informal first day, where the Trumps hosted Charles and Camilla for tea and a garden tour. The royals later attended a reception at the British Embassy.

A major highlight will be Charles’ address to Congress—making him the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. In the speech, he is expected to emphasise shared democratic values and the need to uphold “liberty and equality” in a challenging global climate.

The visit comes at a delicate time, with tensions rising over Britain’s stance on the Iran conflict and policy disagreements between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Despite the friction, Charles is expected to underscore the enduring alliance between both nations, noting that “time and again” they have found ways to cooperate over the past 250 years.

The state visit will continue with a stop in New York, including a visit to the 9/11 memorial, before the royal delegation departs for Bermuda.