King Charles Delivers Historic Address to Congress During State Visit
King Charles III became only the second British monarch in history to address Congress, urging stronger U.S. support for Ukraine and praising the U.S.-U.K. partnership during his state visit to Washington.
Historic Speech to Congress
Charles' address to lawmakers is only the second time in history a British monarch has delivered a speech to Congress, following a 1991 address by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Key Messages
The King used his speech to encourage Congressional Republicans to extend U.S. support for Ukraine's armed forces. Charles invoked how the world came to the U.S. defense after 9/11, and addressing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson who was standing behind him, said: "Today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people."
Environmental Concerns
Charles, who boasts a decades-long commitment to environmentalism, gave a veiled plea for Trump and Republicans to find ways to protect the natural environment and ecosystems. Following his return to office, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement that set ambitious global goals for reducing carbon emissions and repealed air and water regulations. He has also moved to open public lands to oil drilling. "Our generation must decide how to address the collapse of critical natural systems," Charles said.
Reception
The speech was a high-stakes diplomatic moment for the British monarch, but he was met with a warm and bipartisan reception. He then received a standing ovation.
State Visit Context
The king and queen are in the U.S. to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.