WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) look on at the U.S. Capitol on April 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. In his first visit to the U.S. as the British monarch, King Charles III addressed Congress as part of a multi-day trip to the nation’s capital, New York City, and Virginia celebrating the United States of America’s 250th anniversary of its independence. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
King Charles addressed members of the US Congress on Tuesday, celebrating the bond between the US and UK in a message of unity amid escalating global tensions, receiving a resounding standing ovation.
However, not all leaders responded favourably to His Majesty’s address.
King Charles became only the second reigning monarch to speak before the American legislative body, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King took to the podium before Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Throughout his speech, the pair clasped their hands together in response to Charles’ words of unity and togetherness, as did the rest of Congress.
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Yet the head of state also broached subjects such as support for Ukraine and the “collapse of critical natural systems” – matters at odds with President Donald Trump‘s stance – declaring that the essence of Britain and America was a “duty to foster compassion, to promote peace” and “value all people, of all faiths, and of none”.
At certain points, footage from the Hall of the House revealed that Vice President JD Vance declined to applaud the British monarch.
The King said: “In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together – as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security.
“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – it is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace.”
King Charles delivers his speech to Congress (Image: undefined)
The majority of the Hall responded with applause, though Vance remained in his seat and declined to join in.
Charles is halfway through a four-day state visit to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, during which he spoke of the bonds forged between former adversaries, the US and Britain.
“The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique,” the King declared.
Addressing Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, he continued: “That partnership, I believe Mr Speaker, is more important today than it has ever been.”
Guest speakers on Capitol Hill traditionally receive brief standing ovations on points that strike a chord with politicians, and the King was afforded that honour when he referenced the gun attack against the President.
He was also met with enthusiastic applause and cheers when he described America’s Founding Fathers as “bold and imaginative rebels with a cause”.