King Charles and Donald Trump shared warm and often light-hearted toasts during an otherwise formal state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening, as the King and Queen Camilla concluded day two of their royal visit to the US.
Both remarked on their deep historical and cultural ties, with King Charles teasing Trump that he might have been “speaking French” if it were not for Britain’s historical role.
“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” the King said.
“Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French…!"
Charles gifted the president a bell from his namesake the HMS Trump, a submarine that was launched from a UK shipyard in 1944 during World War II, and joked that the president could always "give us a ring".
Trump called King Charles III’s earlier speech to Congress “fantastic” and even jokingly called the King “cute.”
Speaking at the US Congress, Charles emphasised the importance of alliances including Nato and urged continued global engagement.
Key Points
- 'If it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French,' King jokes
- King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at White House for state dinner
- King Charles presents gift to President Donald Trump at state dinner
- Amid tensions over Iran, King Charles stresses importance of NATO during speech
- King Charles acknowledges 'victims' in speech to Congress
- Trump remembers his Scottish mother, who had a crush on Charles
'If it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French,' King jokes
06:12 , Shweta SharmaKing Charles brought a touch of wit to the White House state dinner, joking that Donald Trump might well have been “speaking French” if it were not for Britain’s role in history.
“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” the King said.
“Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French…!"
He quickly adds that "of course, we both love our French cousins greatly".
The remark, delivered with a smile, drew laughter from the room and offered a brief moment of humour to the otherwise serious visit amid strained ties between the US and UK.
Charles gives president a bell from 'HMS Trump' submarine
05:45 , Shweta SharmaKing Charles struck a lighter note with his choice of gift for the president, presenting Donald Trump with the bell from a former British Navy submarine that turns out to have been his namesake.
As the King revealed the gift – a bell from HMS Trump, a WW II-era submarine launched in 1944 – the King said: “May it stand as a testament to our nation’s shared history and shining future.”
“And should you ever need to get hold of us,” he added, “just give us a ring.”
King Charles touts US-Europe alliance amidst Trump's repeated threats to leave Nato
05:32 , Shweta SharmaWatch as President Donald Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at White House for state dinner
05:00 , Katie HawkinsonWhite House state dinner ends with ceremonial band send-off
04:53 , Shweta SharmaThe state dinner hosted by president Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for King Charles III and Queen Camilla is drawing to a close at the White House.
A military band has taken centre stage, filling the room with a final flourish of music.
The band played The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera for guests still seated at the tables.
Trump says King agrees with him on Iran as British monarch stays silent
04:27 , Shweta SharmaAt a glittering state dinner at the White House, Donald Trump brought an unexpected edge to the evening, by saying the British monarch agrees with him on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to guests, Trump struck a confident tone about developments in the Middle East.
“We’re doing a little Middle East work right now and we’re doing very well,” he said.
He went on to claim military success against the adversary, adding that the US would “never” allow that opponent to obtain a nuclear weapon – and pointedly suggested that King Charles shared that view.
“Charles agrees with me even more than I do,” Trump quipped, before reiterating that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear arms.
In his own comments after Trump spoke, Charles did not speak about Iran or the Iran war.
As a constitutional monarch, he does not speak on behalf of the British government, and his comments remained focused on broader themes rather than geopolitics.
Instead, he offered a more measured reflection on global security, acknowledging tensions within Nato, stressing the importance of continued US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and warning against the risks of isolationism.
Despite the diplomatic tightrope on display, there is a longstanding alignment between the UK and the US on one key point: both countries maintain that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
ICYMI: Trump cracks awkward marriage joke to Melania with King Charles watching after Jimmy Kimmel ‘widow’ uproar
04:20 , Andrew FeinbergDays after calling for comedian Jimmy Kimmel to lose his job after mocking the near quarter-century age gap between President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the president used the same subject matter as fodder for a joke in his speech welcoming King Charles III to the White House on Tuesday.
Trump cracks marriage joke to Melania and King Charles after Kimmel’s ‘widow’ uproar
How King and Queen's second day in the US unfolded
04:09 , Shweta SharmaThe second day of King Charles’ four-day US visit is coming to an end. The British monarch’s day was busy as it began with a meeting with Donald Trump and was followed by his historic address to Congress, concluding with a state dinner at the White House.Here's how the second day of the visit unfolded:
- Trump hosted King Charles at the White House with a speech celebrating the evolution of US-UK ties. In his South Lawn remarks, he paid tribute to his late parents – noting his mother’s British roots – and reiterated his admiration for the royal family, even jokingly calling the King “cute.”
- King Charles delivered a speech to a joint meeting of Congress, opening with a reference to Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, stressing that such violence “will never succeed.” He also honoured Queen Elizabeth II, praised Nato, underscored the enduring US–UK partnership, and reminded lawmakers that American influence carries “weight and meaning.”
- The White House on social media shared a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption "TWO KINGS." Trump and his allies have repeatedly objected to the "No Kings" protests against his administration, saying that he is not a king, and this week have accused critics of the president of fanning flames of anger that have led to attempts on his life.
- The evening’s state dinner drew a wide-ranging guest list – from British royals and cabinet members to media personalities and business leaders. In his toast, Trump highlighted the “special relationship” between the two countries. Charles, in turn, added humour with a quip about Trump’s proposed East Wing ballroom, and presented him with a bell from a former British Navy submarine – a symbolic nod to military cooperation.
New York City police warn of delays ahead of King Charles' visit
04:00 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit New York City tomorrow — and the local police department is telling residents to expect delays in Manhattan as a result.
“Due to tomorrow's royal visit, expect delays and intermittent road closures throughout Manhattan. If you're travelling, allow for extra time and use public transportation when possible,” the New York City Police Department said on social media.
There, the King is expected to attend a 9/11 memorial event with Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In pictures: President Donald Trump and King Charles raise a toast at White House state dinner
03:27 , Katie Hawkinson
Social media reacts to King Charles' jokes
03:07 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles’ joke about President Donald Trump’s White House renovations has made the rounds on social media.
“Today is the day I realized King Charles was hilarious,” political strategist Josh Holmes wrote on X.
NBC News’ senior White House correspondent Garrett Haake posted: “The King’s got jokes!”
During his remarks at tonight’s state dinner, Charles joked about Trump’s demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make room for his new ballroom.
“On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year. And I'm sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814 anyway,” he said as the audience laughed.
British forces burned the White House and several other government buildings in August 1814, during the War of 1812.
King Charles gives Trump a shiny gift as they share jokes and bond over ‘special relationship’ at White House state dinner
02:54 , Andrew FeinbergPresident Donald Trump is well-known fan of gold — but he might find an old hunk of brass he received from King Charles III on Tuesday to be just as precious as that precious metal.
Read more:
King Charles gives Trump a shiny gift at White House state dinner
Watch: Donald Trump receives gift from King Charles
02:39 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles concludes remarks with joke about Boston Tea Party
02:26 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles earned a laugh from the audience as he concluded his remarks with a joke about the Boston Tea Party.
“Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Trump, for your splendid dinner this evening, which, may I say, is a very considerable improvement on the Boston Tea Party,” he said.
“Whether your cup contains tea, wine, scotch whiskey, bourbon or even Cola, let us raise our glasses and voices as we toast the past, the present and the future of our two proud and allied nations. To the United States and the United Kingdom. God bless both our countries,” he continued.
King Charles presents gift to Donald Trump
02:21 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles gifted President Donald Trump with a bell from the HMS Trump, a submarine that was launched from a U.K. shipyard in 1944 during World War II.
“May it stand as a testimony to our nation's shared history and shining future — and should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring,” Charles said as the audience laughed.
King Charles cracks joke about Trump's White House ballroom
02:06 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles joked about President Donald Trump’s new White House ballroom project as he spoke at tonight’s state dinner.
“On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year,” the King said.
To make way for the new ballroom, Trump had the White House’s East Wing demolished last year.
“And I'm sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814 anyway,” Charles continued.
British forces burned the White House and several other government buildings in August 1814, during the War of 1812.
Charles later included another joke about a recent remark Trump made.
“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” Charles said. “Dare I say that if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French?”
Trump toasts King Charles
01:59 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump offered a toast to King Charles — and America’s 250th anniversary — at tonight’s state dinner.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I offer a toast to 250 years of American freedom and, very importantly, to a great man, His Majesty King Charles III. Thank you very much,” Trump said.
Trump praises King's speech at state dinner
01:47 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump is speaking now at the White House state dinner.
Trump kicked off his address by praising King Charles’ speech to Congress, which received a standing ovation earlier Tuesday.
“I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress. He got the Democrats to stand. I've never been able to do that,” he told attendees.
Trump Cabinet members attend state dinner
01:39 , Katie HawkinsonSeveral members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet are attending tonight’s state dinner at the White House.
The group includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
What are Melania Trump and Queen Camilla wearing tonight?
01:36 , Katie HawkinsonAt tonight’s state dinner, first lady Melania Trump was seen wearing a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown from Christian Dior, along with off-white suede gloves and pale delphinium silk pumps.
Queen Camilla is wearing a deep pink Fiona Clare gown paired with an amethyst and diamond necklace gifted by a former Duchess of Kent to Queen Victoria.
King Charles' congressional address was a 'much-needed morale boost,' Republican senator says
01:27 , Katie HawkinsonRepublican Senator Lindsey Graham praised King Charles’ congressional address.
“I was so honored to be able to attend King Charles III’s address to a Joint Session of Congress. Simply put: The King nailed it. His speech was a much-needed morale boost for Congress, as he glowingly praised our nation and highlighted the role Congress plays in our democratic republic,” Graham wrote on X.
Graham shared the post Tuesday afternoon, just hours before attending the state dinner at the White House.
He continued: “The speech was a terrific combo of wit, humor, history and appreciation. I believe most members of Congress feel better after the speech than they did before. Though I will admit it was a bit odd that the unifying feeling had to come from the King of England… but so be it!”
Guest list features multiple Fox News hosts
01:16 , Katie HawkinsonSeveral Fox News personalities are on the guest list for tonight’s state dinner at the White House with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The group includes Bret Baier, Maria Bartiromo, Greg Gutfeld, Laura Ingraham and Jesse Watters.
Who's attending tonight's state dinner at the White House?
01:01 , Katie HawkinsonFirst lady Melania Trump’s office shared the guest list for tonight’s White House state dinner with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Several members of the president’s family, including his son Eric Trump, are at the event. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, are also in attendance, along with top Republican lawmakers, including House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
The guest list also features several Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as tech leaders like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.
What's on the menu at tonight's White House dinner?
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:42 , Rachel DobkinThe White House is serving a three-course meal, plus dessert made with honey from first lady Melania Trump’s beehive, during its state dinner with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Guests will start with a hearts of palm salad and garden herb velouté sauce as the first course. The second course will feature handcrafted spring herb ravioli. And a third course of Dover sole meunière will be offered to guests. This French fish dish will include sweet snow peas and layered potatoes pavé.
The show-stopper will be the dessert course. Guests will enjoy a beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau, which is a French cake, with White House honey and vanilla bean crémeux custard. Guests will also be served an almond joconde, another French cake.
Read more:
Treats from White House beehive on dinner menu for King Charles and Queen Camilla
In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed to White House for state dinner
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:32 , Katie Hawkinson
Trump says he's 'jealous' of King Charles' speech
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:23 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump praised King Charles’ congressional address as he welcomed him and Queen Camilla to the White House for a state dinner.
"He made a great speech, I was very jealous,” Trump said as he pointed to the King.
Guests arrive for White House state dinner
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:10 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles is expected to attend a state dinner at the White House this evening.
Guests are arriving now, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.
King Charles meets with tech leaders ahead of White House dinner
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:05 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles met with tech leaders and entrepreneurs at Blair House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of his state dinner at the White House.
Attendees included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google President Ruth Porat.
Watch: King Charles hails importance of 'checks and balances' on executive power
Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:00 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles was met with huge cheers as he emphasized the importance of “checks and balances” on executive power during his congressional address.
Watch below:
King Charles' address was 'best speech of his life,' Piers Morgan says
Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:35 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles’ congressional address was “brilliant, bold and challenging,” Piers Morgan said on social media.
“Brilliant, bold and challenging address by King Charles to the U.S. Congress which was (very unusually!) united in regular standing ovations,” he wrote. “The best speech of his life, right when his country needed him to step up and repair the Special Relationship. Bravo, Your Majesty!”
ANALYSIS: King Charles’ speech was delightfully detached from reality — and very inconvenient for Trump
Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:20 , Katie HawkinsonThe Independent’s Holly Baxter breaks down King Charles’ historic speech to Congress:
Charles’ speech to Congress was detached from reality — and inconvenient for Trump
Buckingham Palace says King was 'greatly touched' by response to speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:10 , Katie HawkinsonKing Charles was “deeply honoured” to speak before Congress, and was “greatly touched” by the response afterward, according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.
“The King was deeply honoured to have been invited to be the first British King to give such an address and was greatly touched by the warmth and generosity of the response he received,” the spokesperson said.
Watch: King Charles acknowledges 'victims' of abuse
Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:00 , Katie HawkinsonCharles wanted to acknowledge ‘victims’ in speech to Congress including those abused by Epstein, palace says
Tuesday 28 April 2026 22:44 , Rachel DobkinKing Charles wanted to acknowledge victims of abuse in his joint address to Congress, including those allegedly abused by Jeffrey Epstein, the palace has said.
Read more:
Charles wanted to mention ‘victims’ of Epstein’s abuse in Congress speech: palace
US British Embassy chef shares menu served to Charles and Camilla on first day of state visit
Tuesday 28 April 2026 22:30 , Amber RaikenCraig Harnden, head chef at the U.S. British Embassy in Washington, D.C., has revealed what he made for King Charles and Queen Camilla during the first day of their state visit to the U.S.
On Monday, Harnden and his team prepared an afternoon tea for more than 650 guests in the embassy’s garden.
On X, the British Embassy said its menu included “four kinds of tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and several British flavors from smoked Scottish salmon to British Beef.”
The first sandwich featured Scottish smoked salmon, lemon butter and brown bread. Harnden then prepared a roast beef and horseradish sandwich, which he noted was not a traditional flavor for an afternoon tea.
The third sandwich was an egg mayonnaise, made with boiled eggs, a touch of mayonnaise, salt and black pepper. The fourth option, a cucumber sandwich, had slightly pickled cucumbers.
Top Senate Democrat reacts to King Charles' visit: 'Friends and allies matter'
Tuesday 28 April 2026 22:20 , Katie HawkinsonSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said King Charles’ visit will serve as a “reminder” to President Donald Trump that “friends and allies matter.”
“It has been thirty-five years since a British monarch addressed the elected representatives of the American people—the world has changed dramatically, but in many ways, the same tests remain before us,” Schumer wrote on X.
“The visit of King Charles III should serve as a reminder to the President of the United States and to every elected official in this country: friends and allies matter,” he continued.
Republicans praise King Charles' speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 22:10 , Katie HawkinsonSeveral Republicans praised King Charles’ speech before Congress.
Mike Pence, who served as President Donald Trump’s vice president from 2017 to 2021, shared a post on X calling the address “inspiring and historic.”
“His affirmation of our shared values and history was just the right message to reaffirm the Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” Pence wrote. “Well Done Your Majesty!”
Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina who challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, described his address as “amazing.”
“Amazing to see King Charles unify Congress in a way America craves. Great speech on our historic relationship, our democratic values, and our belief in freedom,” she wrote on X.
King Charles says US ‘lies at the heart of Nato’ in historic Congress speech after Trump’s threats to leave
Tuesday 28 April 2026 22:00 , Andrew FeinbergKing Charles III used a historic address to the U.S. Congress to offer a subtle but stinging rebuke of President Donald Trump’s often-monarchical ambitions as he hailed the separation of powers that replaced the British monarchy in the former colonies all those years ago.
Read more here:
Congress erupts after King Charles references ‘checks and balances’ in address
Republican congressman says he was 'more excited' to hang out with Kid Rock than King Charles
Tuesday 28 April 2026 21:46 , Ariana BaioRepublican Representative Tim Burchett, an ally of President Donald Trump, said he was “more excited to hang out” with singer Kid Rock and former professional wrestler Ric Flair than King Charles.
“I just saw King Charles. I was actually more excited to hang out with @KidRock and @RicFlairNatrBoy,” Burchett wrote.
In Photos: King Charles addresses Congress
Tuesday 28 April 2026 21:31 , Ariana Baio
Read King Charles' speech in full
Tuesday 28 April 2026 21:15 , Tony Jones“Mr Vice President, Mr Speaker, members of Congress, representatives of the American people across all states, territories, cities and communities.
I would like, if I may, to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honour of addressing this joint meeting of Congress and, on behalf of the Queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semi quincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence.
And for all of that time, our destinies as nations have been interlinked.”
Read the rest of King Charles’ speech here:
The King’s speech to US Congress in full as he cracks jokes and hails alliance
Charles acknowledges 'victims' in speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 21:10 , Ariana BaioKing Charles did not directly address the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during his speech, but he did highlight the need to “support victims” of society’s ills.
“In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today,” Charles said.
A palace aide told NBC News this was Charles' wish to address Epstein’s victims.
U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a leading figure in pushing for more transparency on Epstein, told MS NOW earlier Tuesday that the British ambassador said the king “may” mention something about the need for accountability.
This post has been updated to reflect a palace aide’s confirmation to NBC News.
Huge cheers as King Charles hails importance of 'checks and balances' on executive power
Tuesday 28 April 2026 21:00 , Independent TVKing Charles lauded checks and balances. At the same time, the White House posted a photo calling Trump a King.
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:50 , Isabel KeaneThe White House’s official X account called President Donald Trump a “King,” as King Charles III lauded checks and balances while speaking to a joint meeting of Congress.
Read more from Isabel Keane:
White House X account calls Trump a King as King Charles speaks before Congress
King Charles makes climate change a talking point
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:47 , Ariana BaioLooking to the future of the United States, leaders must consider protecting nature, King Charles III said in his joint address.
“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” Charles told members of Congress Tuesday afternoon.
Calling the U.S.’s natural wonders “a unique asset,” Charles reminded people that protecting the environment would be crucial for the future of the country.
“... Generations of Americans have risen to this calling: indigenous, political and civic leaders, people in rural communities and cities alike, have all helped to protect and nurture what President Theodore Roosevelt called ‘the glorious heritage’ of this land’s extraordinary natural splendour, on which so much of its prosperity has always depended,” King Charles said.
The Trump administration has rolled back many environmental protection policies and made it a goal to produce more fossil fuels.
Amid tensions over Iran, King Charles stresses importance of NATO
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:35 , Ariana BaioKing Charles emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance during his joint address to Congress – amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders over the Iran war.
“From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries,” Charles said.
“Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.”
King urges defense for 'courageous people' of Ukraine
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:32 , Ariana BaioDuring his speech, the King emphasized the importance of providing defense for Ukraine – a topic that has become controversial among lawmakers in the United States.
“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace,” King Charles said.
Watch: King Charles cracks jokes during address to Congress
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:30 , Independent TVKing Charles recognizes upcoming anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:28 , Ariana Baio“This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11,” King Charles III said to the joint session of Congress while discussing security.
“This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world. During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss,” he added.
Lawmakers stand at mention of checks and balances for executive branch
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:26 , Ariana BaioLawmakers gave King Charles a standing ovation at his emphasis that the U.S. is built on the idea of checks and balances – particularly as it pertains to the executive branch – based on the Magna Carta.
“Our Declaration of Rights of 1689 was not only the foundation of our constitutional Monarchy, but also provided the source of so many of the principles reiterated – often verbatim – in the American Bill of Rights of 1791,” the King said.
“And those roots go even further back in our history: the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”
Chamber erupts in applause for King's jokes about US-UK relationship
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:20 , Ariana Baio, Eric GarciaKing Charles III received a resounding applause and bits of laughter from people in the chambers for telling the story of former President George Washington and King George III as the "tale of two Georges.”
The King joked he is "not here as part of some running rear guard action," to laughter.
Charles condemns shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:12 , Ariana BaioKing Charles III began his address to U.S. Congress by condemning the shooting that occurred at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening.
“We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord,” Charles said Tuesday afternoon.
“Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” he added.
King and Queen enter to standing ovation
Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:08 , Eric Garcia, Ariana BaioThe entire chamber is on its feet for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in a very prolonged applause and people are on their feet.
Lawmakers fill Congressional chamber in anticipation of King's speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 19:56 , Eric Garcia, Ariana BaioThere is mostly a jovial vibe inside the chamber at the moment before King Charles III enters.
Lawmakers are greeting one another, while members of the president’s Cabinet, the most senior administration officials, are mostly greeting Republican allies.
Lawmakers are seated in their respective corners. Hardline conservatives sit next to each other while progressive Democrats sit with their buddies.
Watch Live: King Charles addresses US Congress joint session
Tuesday 28 April 2026 19:55 , Independent TVWhat to expect from King Charles' speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 19:44 , Holly PatrickThe King will use his address to say that the story of the U.K. and the U.S. since America’s independence is “one of the greatest alliances in human history,” where the two nations find ways to “come together”.
Charles's speech to both Houses is likely to be seen as acknowledging tensions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who have clashed over the US leader’s war against Iran.
It marks only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
His Majesty is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and, in a show of solidarity and support, offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Watch: U.S. Representative says it would be 'tone deaf' for King Charles to not acknowledge Epstein survivors in speech to Congress
Tuesday 28 April 2026 19:20 , Independent TVKing Charles greets US Speaker of the House ahead of address
Tuesday 28 April 2026 18:59 , Andrew Feinberg, Ariana BaioKing Charles arrived on Capitol Hill and was greeted by U.S. Speaker of the House, Representative Mike Johnson, at 1:35 p.m. ET.
The two posed for a quick photo in front of U.S. and U.K. flags before walking into Johnson’s ceremonial office for a meeting with other leaders in Congress.
That includes Senator John Thune, the leader of the Republican Party in the Senate, and his counterpart, Senator Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic Party in the Senate, as well as Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives.
Melania and Camilla speak with students about US-UK history
Tuesday 28 April 2026 18:50 , Ariana BaioFirst Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla joined students learning about U.S.–U.K. history on the White House tennis pavilion Tuesday afternoon to discuss education and technology.
Students used Meta Quest glasses to view American artifacts picked by Melania that are significant to the U.S. and U.K.’s history, including a portrait of former U.S. President John Adams, who also served as the first ambassador to the U.K.
One student asked Camilla if she would like to try on Meta glasses but she politely declined, according to the First Lady’s Office pool reports.
Students also used virtual reality goggles to view landmarks in the U.K., such as Giant’s Causeway, Stonehenge and the exterior of Buckingham Palace.
Technology in education is one of Melania’s initiatives as first lady.
Trump cracks awkward marriage joke to Melania with King Charles watching after Jimmy Kimmel ‘widow’ uproar
Tuesday 28 April 2026 18:30 , Isabel KeaneDays after calling for comedian Jimmy Kimmel to lose his job after mocking the near quarter-century age gap between President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the president used the same subject as fodder for a joke while welcoming King Charles III to the White House on Tuesday.
Trump was working his way through meandering remarks at the end of a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn when he segued from meditating on the deep friendship that has developed between the U.S. and U.K. over the 250 years since American independence to his Scottish-born mother’s Mary McLeod Trump’s admiration for His Majesty’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
As Trump noted how his mother had emigrated from Scotland to the U.S. at age 19 and entered into what would be a 63-year marriage with his father, he turned back to the First Lady, who was seated with the Queen behind him.
“That's a record we won't be able to match, darling,” he said.
“I'm sorry, it’s just not going to work out that way. We'll do well, but we're not going to do that well.”
King Charles' speech preview
Tuesday 28 April 2026 18:11 , Isabel KeaneKing Charles III is expected to speak on a variety of subjects while addressing Congress, including Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The speech Tuesday afternoon will be “an address to a joint meeting of Congress,” not a joint session of Congress.
The speech, which was written by the UK government, is expected to last around 20 minutes, according to a Buckingham Palace official.
The King is expected to talk about Saturday’s shooting at the WHCA dinner at the very beginning of his speech.
He will express “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States’ in this landmark anniversary year.”
He is also expected to say that the story of the U.S. and U.K. over the last 250 years is one of “reconciliation and renewal”, of “one of the greatest alliances in human history.”
There will also be references to NATO, AUKUS, the Middle East and Ukraine.
King Charles is expected to note that while the U.S. and U.K. don’t always agree, the foundations of their “democratic, legal and social traditions” remain aligned.
Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania exchange gifts
Tuesday 28 April 2026 17:53 , Isabel KeaneQueen Camilla gifted First Lady Melania Trump a brooch from the British jewelry designer, Fiona Rae.
Meanwhile, the first lady gifted Camilla six Tiffany’s English King Sterling Silver Teaspoons and White House Honey.
King Charles and President Trump exchange gifts
Tuesday 28 April 2026 17:52 , Isabel KeaneKing Charles gifted President Donald Trump a framed replica of the 1879 design plans for the Resolute Desk, the originals of which are held by the National Maritime Museum in London.
The drawings show the front elevation, top and projection of the president’s desk in the Oval Office of the White House.
The desk was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880 by Queen Victoria.
The Resolute Desk was created from the timbers of the British exploration ship H.M.S. Resolute, which was recovered by the U.S. and presented to Queen Victoria as a gesture of goodwill in 1856.
Years later, when the ship was decommissioned in 1879, three desks were made from its timbers, including the one given to Hayes that is now a permanent fixture in the White House.
Meanwhile, Trump gifted Charles a custom replica of a letter written by John Adams to John Jay in 1785.
In the letter, Adams describes His Majesty King George III receiving Adams as the first U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.
Adams notes in the letter that their meeting was marked by the pomp and ceremony required by the occasion of a royal audience.
However, beneath the pageantry, Adams described a strong undercurrent of emotion as the King and his former subject—once bitter enemies—met face to face, as statesmen.
In the letter, Adams quotes his speech to the King, promising to restore friendship between the two nations. The King’s response said that although he was "the last to consent to the separation,” he would be the first to meet U.S. friendship.
Adams notes in the letter that this experience might prove useful to later diplomats.
EXCLUSIVE: Queen Elizabeth’s former protection officer says US royal visit should have been cancelled
Tuesday 28 April 2026 17:30 , Bryony GoochUK ambassador to Washington says America’s only ‘special relationship’ is with Israel, not Britain
Tuesday 28 April 2026 17:03 , Bryony Gooch
UK ambassador to Washington says America’s only ‘special relationship’ is with Israel
Ceremonial welcome has come to an end - but the state visit is only just beginning
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:47 , Bryony GoochThe ceremonial welcome has come to an end. King Charles III and President Trump have also exchanged gifts as the monarch signed the official White House guestbook.
Here is the official schedule for day two:
11.40 AM local time (4.40PM BST) - Bilateral meeting between Trump and Charles.
11.45 AM local time (4.45PM BST) - Camilla and Melania join Students in exploring US-UK history through innovation.
3.00 PM local time (8.00 PM BST) - Estimated time Charles is expected to give a speech to congress.
7.00 PM local (midnight BST) - Trump and Melania will greet the King and Queen again before a tour and document viewing.
8.05pm local (1.00 AM BST) - The state banquet is set to take place.
Trump: Americans have had no closer friends than the British
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:45 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump said “Americans have had no closer friends than the British” at a ceremonial welcome for the King and Queen on the lawn of the White House.
Trump: 'no tribute more appropriate' than celebrating US independence by honouring the King
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:38 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has said “no tribute could be more appropriate” for celebrating US independence than the honouring King.
In a ceremony at the White House, the president said: “Honouring the British king, might seem an ironic beginning to our celebration of 250 years of American independence, but, in fact, no tribute could be more appropriate.
“Long before Americans had a nation or a constitution, we first had a culture, a character and a creed.
“Before we ever proclaimed our independence, Americans carried within us the rarest of gifts, moral courage, and it came from a small but mighty kingdom from across the sea.
“For nearly two centuries before the revolution, this land was settled and forged by men, women who bore their souls, the blood and noble spirit of the British here on a wild and untamed continent.
“They set loose the ancient English love of liberty and the Great Britain’s distinctive sense of glory, destiny and pride.”
Watch: Trump makes awkward joke about marriage to Melania during King Charles visit
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:27 , Bryony GoochKing Charles reacts to Donald Trump saying his mother had a crush on him as a young prince
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:27 , Bryony Gooch
Trump reflects on Britain's 'greatest prime minister' - Winston Churchill
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:25 , Bryony GoochPresident Trump appeared to make a jibe about Sir Keir Starmer as he made reference to “Britain’s greatest prime minister”, Sir Winston Churchill.
In his speech, he said: “It’s said that when Prime Minister Churchill first met this future king, many decades ago, he was so impressed. He made the statement ‘he is so young to think so much and so well.’ and the bust of your great Prime Minister rests proudly again in the Oval Office.
He added: “The world has witnessed that same thoughtfulness which first struck Britain's greatest prime minister.”
Trump makes awkward joke about marriage to Melania amid ceremonial speech
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:21 , Bryony GoochSpeaking about his parents, Donald Trump reflected on his own marriage to Melania.
“My mother and Fred, they were married for 63 years,” he said, before joking that he and Melania, who have been married for two decades, might not last as long.
Trump remembers his Scottish mother, who had a crush on Charles
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:14 , Bryony GoochPresident Trump has just said that his mother had a crush on now King Charles.
Reflecting on Mary Macleod Trump, he said: “I also remember her saying very clearly, Charles... He's so cute.
“My mother had a crush on Charles.”
His mother was born in Scotland in 1912.
Trump comments on British weather in the rain
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:12 , Bryony GoochUS President Donald Trump said, standing at a podium decorated with the presidential seal, said, referring to the rainy weather: “Thank you very much everybody. What a beautiful British day this is.”
He said it was a “tremendous privilege to host” the King and Queen and called the King a “very elegant man”.
Trump: Late Queen is 'greatly missed'
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:11 , Bryony GoochSpeaking from the podium, Donald Trump has said that he greatly misses King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
He said: “We see today a living symbol of this centuries old bond, just a few dozen feet to the left where I stand there her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, an incredible woman who I had the privilege of getting to know.
“Queen Elizabeth, the second very, very special woman who is very greatly missed on both sides of that mighty Atlantic. Long ago, planted a young tree, very young and beautiful tree. And look at it now.
“It's tripled in size and tripled in strength, very much as our nations have, even more than tripled, like our nation itself. It was laid with British hands, but grew in American soil today, it stands tall and proud. reaching ever higher.”
In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for ceremonial welcome
Tuesday 28 April 2026 16:02 , Bryony Gooch
Watch live: King and Queen given ceremonial welcome by Trump at White House
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:52 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Rubio, Hegseth and Vance attend ceremonial welcome
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:47 , Bryony Gooch
Spotted: Yvette Cooper attends state ceremony
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:43 , Bryony GoochForeign secretary Yvette Cooper has been seen at the state visit ceremonial welcome alongside UK ambassador to the US Sir Christian Turner.
Ms Cooper was visiting Secretary of State Marco Rubio in DC as part of the state visit.
In pictures: Soldiers march for state visit
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:37 , Bryony Gooch
Ceremonial welcome to begin shortly
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:32 , Bryony GoochThe ceremonial welcome on the White House south lawn is set to begin in rainy Washington DC.
Join us for the latest action.
In pictures: Traffic at a standstill near the White House ahead of the arrival ceremony for King Charles
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:30 , Bryony Gooch
Security teams to look carefully for any potential issues - report
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:15 , Bryony GoochThe former head of royal protection has said security teams at the US state visit are tackling a number of unpredictable variables as they protect King Charles on the State Visit.
Former head of royal protection Dai Davies told Sky News they "will look carefully at where anyone could actually get near".
"Clearly, some of it is in the White House, but there are areas where, as I understand it, either the public or individuals will be allowed near, and the question has to arise - what security has been planned for?"
King Charles leaves Melania Trump in fits of laughter with joke during White House beehive tour
Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:00 , Bryony Gooch
King leaves Melania in fits of laughter with joke during White House beehive tour
Trump responds to potential family connection with King Charles
Tuesday 28 April 2026 14:44 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump has said he’s “always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace” in response to allegations that he could be King Charles’ cousin.
The US president posted on Truth Social after reading a story in The Mail that alleged he is a cousin of the monarch, saying: “Wow, that’s nice. I’ve always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!!
“I’ll talk to the King and Queen about this in a few minutes!!! President DJT”
