King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress: Live Stream, Schedule & Historical Significance

America is celebrating a major milestone in 2025—its 250th anniversary. To mark the occasion, King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom are undertaking a four-day state visit to the United States. The visit culminates today with a historic address by Charles to a joint meeting of Congress at 3 p.m. ET.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Itinerary

The royal couple’s visit is packed with diplomatic engagements, cultural events, and historical moments. Here’s a breakdown of their schedule:

Monday, April 27

• White House Tea: King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.
• Beehive Inspection: The royals visited the White House beehives, showcasing a unique diplomatic touch.
• Garden Party: Later in the afternoon, they attended a garden party hosted by the British ambassador in Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, April 28

• Private Meeting: King Charles III and former President Trump held a private meeting in the morning.
• Educational Event: Meanwhile, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump attended an educational event.
• Historic Address to Congress: At 3 p.m. ET, King Charles III became the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first address in 1991 during George H.W. Bush’s presidency.
• State Dinner: In the evening, the King and Queen were honored guests at an official state dinner in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, April 29

The royals traveled to New York City, where they:

• Visited the 9/11 Memorial: They paid their respects at the memorial, honoring first responders and families affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
• Met with First Responders and Families: The King and Queen engaged with those impacted by the attacks, highlighting themes of resilience and remembrance.

Thursday, April 30

• National Park Visit: In Virginia, the royals toured a national park, concluding their U.S. visit.
• Departure to Bermuda: Later in the day, they left the U.S. for Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory and member of the Commonwealth.

Why Is This State Visit Significant?

The official purpose of the visit is to celebrate the enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom. While the two nations share a unique relationship—rooted in independence and strengthened over centuries—their diplomatic ties have faced challenges in recent years.

Key factors influencing the visit include:

• Geopolitical Tensions: The U.S.-led war in Iran has strained relations, with many NATO allies, including the U.K., expressing opposition.
• Political Divisions: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former President Trump have differing views on several global issues.
• Diplomatic Role of the Monarchy: Though King Charles III holds a ceremonial role, his visits and addresses carry symbolic weight, potentially easing diplomatic tensions.

Historical Precedent: Has a British Monarch Addressed Congress Before?

King Charles III is only the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The first was his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991 during President George H.W. Bush’s administration. At the time, Bush’s approval ratings were high following the Gulf War, and U.S.-U.K. relations were strong under Prime Minister John Major.

In contrast, King Charles III’s address comes amid a more complex political climate. However, his decades of experience in diplomacy and international relations position him well to navigate these challenges.

"The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is one of the most important alliances in the world. It has evolved from independence to partnership, and today, it remains a cornerstone of global stability."
— King Charles III