King Charles III US Congress speech marks 250th anniversary and stresses UK-US ties

King Charles III told the US Congress that the US and UK faced "times of great uncertainty\". Charles used the address to thank Americans and note 250 years since independence from Britain. Charles also stressed long links between the countries, even as politics stayed tense. \"For all that time, Charles said, our destinies have been interlinked.\"

Representative image

The speech came amid disputes involving President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The row centred on the war in Iran and efforts to build wider support. Some lawmakers present had attended the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday. The event was disrupted by a shooting. Authorities called it an attempted assassination against Trump.

King Charles III address to Congress during US-UK political strain

Charles addressed the joint session on Tuesday and echoed themes of shared history. The king is the second British monarch to speak to Congress. Queen Elizabeth II gave a similar address in 1991. That speech stressed historic links and democratic values. Charles spoke in a very different setting in the US Capitol.

During the address, Charles condemned political violence in firm terms. \"Let me say with unshakeable resolve, Charles said. Such acts of violence will never succeed.\" The comments followed the Saturday night incident in Washington. The attack had raised security concerns across the city. It also added to an already strained political climate.

King Charles III meets Donald Trump as tariffs and Iran war divide leaders

Charles began the day at the White House with Trump on the South Lawn. The skies were grey and drizzly during the ceremony. Trump joked that it was a beautiful British day. Trump then spoke about shared history between the two nations. Trump did not mention the dispute with Keir Starmer.

Trump linked old English legal history to American independence in public remarks. Trump traced a line from King Johns sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215. Trump then referred to the American Revolution. \"American patriots today can sing, My country, tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, only because our colonial ancestors first sang, God save the King, Trump said.\"

The two leaders then met in the Oval Office in private. The closed meeting limited the usual public exchanges seen in Trumps second term. After the session, Trump called it a really good meeting. Trump also said Charles is a fantastic person. The White House did not share details of what was discussed.

King Charles III visit draws US lawmakers’ reactions and Epstein questions

Trump’s relationship with Starmer worsened over recent months. Trump criticised Starmer for resisting pressure on the war in Iran. Trump said \"this is not Winston Churchill that were dealing with.\" Trump also imposed tariffs on the UK. Trump warned of more levies despite a Supreme Court ruling this year.

Trump threatened a big tariff last week tied to a digital services tax. The tax targets US technology companies operating in the UK. Trump also challenged the trans-Atlantic alliance in other ways. Trump backed efforts to annex Greenland and threatened to walk away from NATO. Trump also taunted Canada, a Commonwealth member.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York criticised Republican policies on Monday. Jeffries said the approach strained the US-UK relationship. \"Hopefully, the kings visit is going to go a long way toward repairing the damage that this administration has done to one of our most important allies in the world, Jeffries said.\"

Charles also faced calls on Capitol Hill to meet victims of Jeffrey Epstein. There was no indication Charles would meet survivors during the visit. The scandal has affected the king’s brother, who was arrested in February. The arrest involved misconduct allegations, which he denies. The issue remained sensitive during the trip.

Rep Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, pushed for action on Epstein matters. Khanna said the British ambassador told Khanna there would be an acknowledgment. The reference concerned survivors during the congressional address. Separately, Charles and Camilla arrived in Washington on Monday. The couple had tea with Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

The royal couple planned more stops later this week. The itinerary included New York City and Virginia. Charles’ visit placed public focus on historic ties and current tensions. The speech and meetings unfolded amid tariff threats and foreign policy disputes. The trip continued as leaders weighed how to manage the wider US-UK relationship.

With inputs from PTI