Day 2: King Charles to address Congress in rare speech amid strained US-UK relations

Britain King Charles III is set to address the US Congress, aiming to promote unity and “special relationship” between the United States and United Kingdom especially at a crucial time when both countries are locked in diplomatic rift over the Iran conflict.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are on four-day state visit to Washington to mark America’s 250 years of independence.

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The King’s rare speech is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) and is expected to last just 20 minutes, as said by the source privy to the matter. The address will be the second given by a British sovereign to the US Congress. Earlier, King Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II was the first monarch who addressed both houses in 1991.

The speech is the most important event of the state visit. The address to the lower house will be followed by a state dinner on Tuesday night.

King Charles speech: Key issues in focus

King Charles' address will touch on various issues, including strained US-UK relations, NATO, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The speech will aim to boost British-American unity in the midst of difficult times.

Despite occasional differences, the king will say, “Time and again, ‌our ⁠two countries have always found ways to come together," and will describe the partnership as “one of the greatest alliances in human history," the source said.

The British PM also hoped that King’s visit will help improve transatlantic relationship as Trump revered Charles as a great man.

The visit launched in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the royals to the White House.

Following a private tea in the Green Room and a tour of the South Lawn, the King and Queen attended a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence.

Tuesday, April 28: Today marks the official State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn, honoured with a 21-gun salute. The day will culminate in a State Dinner at the White House, the first of the second Trump administration.

Wednesday, April 29: The royal couple will travel to New York City to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial to honour the victims of the 2001 attacks, specifically commemorating the 67 British citizens who lost their lives.