King invited to address Congress and 'reaffirm' US-UK alliance during state visit

The King has been invited to address Congress during a state visit to the US.

Buckingham Palace revealed on Tuesday that a planned visit this month by Charles and Queen Camilla would go ahead despite an ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has strained transatlantic relations.

On Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson announced he had asked the King to speak to a joint meeting of Congress to mark the 250th year of America's independence.

Mr Johnson said on X: "It is my distinct honor and great privilege to invite His Majesty King Charles III, The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to address a Joint Meeting of Congress.

"Our two nations share one of the most consequential partnerships in history, and together we will mark the historic milestone of America's 250th year of independence."

A letter to Charles, jointly signed by Mr Johnson along with Senate majority leader John Thune, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, pointed to the address "reaffirming the alliance" between the two countries.

"We believe an address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history," the letter said.

US President Donald Trump, who has been critical of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the UK's response to the Iran war, welcomed the confirmation of the King's visit.

"I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect," said Mr Trump. "It will be TERRIFIC!"

Mr Trump had earlier called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to get some "delayed courage, go to the Strait [of Hormuz], and just TAKE IT" in an angry social media post.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth was also critical of the Royal Navy, of which the King is commander-in-chief.

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Meanwhile, Sir Keir has declined to say whether he believes the King should meet the victims of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during the state visit.

US congressman Ro Khanna, and the family of Virginia Giuffre, have called on the monarch to meet with survivors.

The PM said: "In relation to the King, I think it's important to appreciate this is part of the 250 celebrations. It's a long-planned visit, and the US and UK are close allies, have been for a very, very long time."

(c) Sky News 2026: King invited to address Congress and 'reaffirm' US-UK alliance during state visit