King Charles tells Congress that alliance is "more important today" than ever
King Charles addressed a joint session of Congress, emphasizing the enduring importance of the U.S.-U.K. alliance amid global uncertainties and calling for renewed commitment to shared democratic values. He highlighted the nations' long history of cooperation, from World War II to current defense initiatives, and stressed unity following the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. The speech marked the first time a British monarch addressed Congress in 35 years, underscoring the symbolic weight of the moment. Charles praised the transatlantic partnership as 'more important today than it has ever been.'
- ▪King Charles became the first British monarch in 35 years to address Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 speech.
- ▪He emphasized the U.S.-U.K. alliance as 'one of the most consequential in human history' and vital amid global conflicts and challenges.
- ▪Charles referenced NATO and joint defense efforts, including the F-35 program and a trilateral submarine partnership with Australia.
- ▪He condemned the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, stating such violence will never undermine democracy.
- ▪The visit occurs amid strained relations between President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer over issues including the war in Iran.
- ▪Charles met with top U.S. lawmakers before his address and attended a White House arrival ceremony with the Trumps.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Politics King Charles tells Congress that U.S.-U.K. alliance is "more important today than it has ever been" By Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek Politics Reporter Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Read Full Bio Caitlin Yilek April 28, 2026 / 4:53 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Washington — Saying he felt the "weight of history" on his shoulders, King Charles became the first British monarch in 35 years to address Congress on Tuesday, where he urged lawmakers to rededicate their commitment to the transatlantic U.S.-U.K.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CBS News — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from CBS News — Top
