King Charles III will deliver a rare address to a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” of relations between the US and Britain amid tensions over the Iran war.The speech, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s in 1991, is expected to last about 20 minutes and focus on strengthening the long-standing alliance between the two countries even as political differences remain.King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday and was received by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley and British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner and welcomed with the national anthem. He later met Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House for tea before attending a garden reception at the British Embassy, AFP reported.The visit marks the 250th anniversary of US independence and is seen as London’s soft power effort to stabilize relations at a delicate time. Security in Washington has been heightened after a shooting at a White House dinner attended by Trump, and King Charles III is expected to briefly mention the incident in his speech while expressing sympathy.His speech came against a backdrop of tensions between Trump and Keir Starmer after Britain refused to support US-led military action against Iran. Trump publicly criticized Starmer, saying their relationship was “not good at all”. He also repeatedly criticized the British Prime Minister’s opposition to the war and the government’s immigration and energy policies. Starmer, while openly critical of the war, defended the state visit.King Charles III will acknowledge these differences while emphasizing the continuity of the partnership, noting that “our two countries have always found a way to come together time and time again,” according to royal aides. He is expected to describe the alliance as “one of the greatest alliances in history” and stress the need for unity in the face of global challenges.King Charles III will stress the defense of democratic values ”essential for freedom and equality” and advocate cooperation on shared priorities such as NATO, the Middle East, Ukraine and the AUKUS treaty. He is also expected to emphasize the values of tolerance and peace, describing the transatlantic alliance as rooted in a “generous spirit” and a responsibility to promote mutual understanding.The British monarch will receive a ceremonious welcome at the White House on Tuesday, including a 21-gun salute and a review of troops, before delivering a speech and a state dinner hosted by Trump. The royal couple will travel to New York on Wednesday, including a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, before departing for Bermuda on Thursday.
