WASHINGTON — King Charles III arrived in the nation’s capital today hoping to strengthen the relationship between Britain and America through formal diplomatic ceremonies, despite recent tensions between the two allies.
The royal visit occurs during a difficult period for US-UK diplomatic relations. President Trump’s rocky relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has deteriorated in recent months as Trump has worked to build international backing for military action in Iran.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will start their Washington schedule with a White House meeting alongside President Trump at 10:35 a.m. ET. Later this afternoon at 3 p.m. ET, the King will make history by speaking to the US Congress — marking the first time a British monarch has done so since his mother Queen Elizabeth II addressed lawmakers in 1991. The day concludes with a formal state dinner at the White House.
An interesting revelation emerged this week when Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reported that Trump and King Charles share ancestry that would make them 15th cousins. Both men reportedly descend from the 3rd Earl of Lennox, who was a great-grandson of Scotland’s King James II.
“Wow, that’s nice. I’ve always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!!” Trump wrote on his social media platform Tuesday morning before welcoming the royal couple. “I’ll talk to the King and Queen about this in a few minutes!!!”
Some members of Congress have called for King Charles to meet with Jeffrey Epstein victims during his American visit. There are no signs he plans to do so, despite the scandal affecting his brother, former Prince Andrew, who was taken into custody in February on misconduct charges that he disputes.
California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna encouraged the King over the weekend to at least mention the matter during his congressional address.
Trump has consistently praised Charles, calling the monarch his “friend” and describing him as a “great guy.”
The President frequently references his “amazing” September visit to Britain with First Lady Melania Trump for an unusual second state visit. Prime Minister Starmer personally delivered the King’s invitation in the Oval Office just five weeks after Trump took office, in a clear effort to court the Republican leader.
During that trip, the British royal family provided elaborate ceremonies for the Trumps, featuring red-uniformed guards, military bands, and an elegant feast at Windsor Castle.
“President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president’s historic visit to the United Kingdom last year,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said to The Associated Press.
Trump’s relationship with Prime Minister Starmer has grown increasingly strained as the President seeks global support for Iranian military operations. Trump criticized Starmer for largely rejecting his appeals, saying he was “no Churchill.”
The President has also placed tariffs on Britain and threatened additional trade penalties, despite a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that complicated such unilateral actions. Just last week, Trump warned he would impose a “big tariff” on the UK unless it eliminates a digital services tax affecting American tech companies.
Trump has more broadly questioned the traditional Atlantic partnership through attempts to acquire Greenland and warnings about leaving NATO. He has repeatedly imposed trade penalties on and criticized Canada, which belongs to the British Commonwealth.
Today’s congressional address will make King Charles III the first British ruler to speak before US lawmakers since Queen Elizabeth II three decades ago. Her 1991 speech emphasized the common heritage of both nations and the significance of their democratic principles — themes Charles is expected to echo today.
Such speaking opportunities are reserved for only the most distinguished international figures, including Pope Francis, Václav Havel, and Winston Churchill. This will likely represent the most significant public statement Charles makes during his four-day American visit celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence from British rule.
The King and Queen Camilla began their day with the White House meeting with Trump. The Oval Office session provides another chance for the spontaneous, sometimes controversial encounters with foreign dignitaries that have characterized Trump’s second presidency.
However, given the traditionally non-political role of British monarchs and Trump’s appreciation for the royal family, the chances of an uncomfortable meeting may be lower.
Trump will welcome Charles this evening for a state banquet at the White House.
