King Charles III Addresses Congress on 250th Independence Anniversary
On April 28, 2026, King Charles III made a notable address to a joint session of Congress, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. This significant visit began at the White House, where he and Queen Camilla were greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in a traditional ceremony.
With this event, Charles III made history as the first king and second British monarch to speak before Congress, following the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who did so in 1991.
“As I stand here today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history on my shoulders, because the modern relationship between our two countries and their people spans more than four centuries, not just 250 years,” the King stated.
The Founding Fathers of the United States were greatly influenced by British Enlightenment thought, weaving in principles that stem from British common law and the longstanding tradition of the Magna Carta.
“The Declaration of Rights of 1689 not only laid the groundwork for our constitutional monarchy, but also inspired many principles that were echoed (sometimes word for word) in the American Bill of Rights of 1791,” King Charles III noted.
“These ideas trace back even further in our history. The U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society notes that Magna Carta has been referenced in over 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, particularly relating to the concept of checks and balances on executive power,” he continued.
For centuries, the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom has been unique, resonating with Henry Kissinger’s reflections on President John F. Kennedy’s vision of a transatlantic partnership founded on cooperation between Europe and the U.S.
The King emphasized that in today’s global security landscape, the UK continues its commitment to defending both North America and Europe, thereby strengthening this historic alliance.
“Looking ahead to the next 250 years, we must reflect on our shared duty to safeguard our most treasured asset: nature,” Charles III remarked.
“From the divisions of 250 years ago, we have built friendships and created one of the most significant alliances in history. I genuinely hope that our partnership remains committed to our shared values with other nations in Europe, the Commonwealth, and beyond, and doesn’t retreat into isolation,” he concluded.
