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King Charles Opens U.S. State Visit With White House Welcome Ahead of Rare Congress Address

The visit tests efforts to steady U.S.–UK ties under tightened security.

Overview

  • Charles and Camilla were received at the White House on Monday for tea and a garden event, following Saturday’s shooting at the Correspondents’ Dinner that prompted tighter security.
  • The King is set to address both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, the first such speech by a British monarch since 1991, with prepared remarks calling for “reconciliation and renewal” and a defense of shared democratic values.
  • Today’s program includes a formal welcome ceremony, an Oval Office meeting and a state banquet, as both governments try to cool strains over the Iran conflict and President Trump’s public criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • Survivor groups linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case plan protests at the Capitol around the speech, and Buckingham Palace has declined requests for a meeting with them.
  • The itinerary moves on to New York and Virginia for meetings with 9/11 first responders and Native American representatives, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence with rare ceremonial touches.