King to defend 'democratic values' as US state visit begins

King Charles will address the US Congress on Tuesday and it is expected to express sympathy over Saturday's gun attack.

King Charles III is scheduled to address Congress on Tuesday, coinciding with a busy legislative agenda that includes discussions on the budget resolution, FISA, and the farm bill.

King Charles expressed relief that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other guests were unharmed after a gunman attempted to charge the venue during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Despite a shooting at a White House dinner attended by President Trump, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles's state visit to the US will proceed as planned, with Trump assuring the safety of the visit.

King Charles III is scheduled to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so. His speech is expected to acknowledge recent transatlantic disagreements, including those concerning the Iran war, while stressing the enduring shared traditions that unite the two countries. The monarch is expected to make brief reference to the recent gun attack in Washington and convey the British people's friendship on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at a garden party at the British Embassy, Monday, April 27, 2026, in Washington. Britain’s King Charles III is set to meet President Donald Trump and address Congress in a bid to spotlight UK-US ties. The British monarch, who will be feted by President Donald Trump with a state dinner on Tuesday, is also scheduled to address Congress that day. The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, will begin his day with a meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump. The Oval Office encounter offers the potential for the freewheeling, sometimes controversial meetings with foreign leaders that have become routine during Trump's second term. But given the expressly apolitical nature of the British monarch and Trump's fondness for the royal family, the likelihood of an awkward meeting may be reduced. Trump will host Charles on Tuesday evening for a state banquet at the White House.

Increased security measures are in place for King Charles's upcoming US visit following a shooting scare near the White House Correspondents' Dinner, with the British government coordinating closely with US authorities.

King Charles III has arrived in the United States for a high-profile state visit marked by diplomatic symbolism and tight security following a recent shooting incident in Washington, DC. The British monarch and Queen Camilla were welcomed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland before being formally received at the White House by Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Security across the capital has been significantly increased after Saturday’s attack at an event attended by the president. The King is expected to open his address to Congress on Tuesday by expressing sympathy for those affected, while emphasizing unity during a period of global uncertainty. In his speech, King Charles III will stress the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, calling for “reconciliation and renewal” despite recent political disagreements.