King Charles III to Address Congress on 250th Anniversary of American Independence

Bipartisan Congressional Leaders Invite British Monarch to Speak on Historic Ties Between U.S. and U.K.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of the U.S. Capitol building, its grand facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of timeless civic importance and the enduring partnership between the two nations.The historic ties between the United States and the United Kingdom will be celebrated as King Charles III addresses a joint session of Congress, echoing the words of his mother Queen Elizabeth II decades earlier.Fulton Today

In a rare bipartisan move, congressional leaders from both parties have invited King Charles III to address a joint session of Congress on April 28 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and the historic connections between the United States and the United Kingdom. The invitation echoes Queen Elizabeth II's address to Congress in 1991, where she highlighted the shared values and democratic spirit that bind the two nations.

Why it matters

The upcoming address by King Charles III marks a significant moment in the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and the U.K. As the two countries navigate an evolving global landscape, this joint session of Congress provides an opportunity to reaffirm the shared principles and cooperative relationship that have underpinned the 'special relationship' for decades. The bipartisan nature of the invitation also underscores the enduring nature of these ties, transcending political divides.

The details

The invitation to King Charles III was extended by a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the deep historical connections between the U.S. and the U.K., noting that the relationship is 'rooted not merely in shared interests, but — as Queen Elizabeth told a Joint Meeting of Congress in 1991 — in a shared 'spirit of democracy,' and a commitment to the fundamental values of individual freedom, consent of the governed, and rule of law.'

  • King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the United States at the end of April 2023 to 'celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence'.
  • Queen Elizabeth II addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress in 1991.

The players

King Charles III

The current monarch of the United Kingdom, who will visit the United States in April 2023 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and the historic ties between the two countries.

Queen Elizabeth II

The late monarch of the United Kingdom, who addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress in 1991 and highlighted the shared values and democratic spirit that bind the U.S. and the U.K.

Mike Johnson

The current Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who joined other bipartisan congressional leaders in inviting King Charles III to address Congress.

John Thune

The current Senate Majority Leader, who joined other bipartisan congressional leaders in inviting King Charles III to address Congress.

Hakeem Jeffries

The current House Democratic leader, who joined other bipartisan congressional leaders in inviting King Charles III to address Congress.

Chuck Schumer

The current Senate Democratic leader, who joined other bipartisan congressional leaders in inviting King Charles III to address Congress.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has evolved into one of the most consequential partnerships in modern history. That close relationship is rooted not merely in shared interests, but — as Queen Elizabeth told a Joint Meeting of Congress in 1991 — in a shared 'spirit of democracy,' and a commitment to the fundamental values of individual freedom, consent of the governed, and rule of law.”

— Bipartisan Congressional Leaders

What’s next

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the United States at the end of April 2023 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and the historic ties between the two countries. During their visit, King Charles III will address a joint session of Congress on April 28.

The takeaway

The upcoming address by King Charles III to a joint session of Congress represents a significant moment in the longstanding 'special relationship' between the United States and the United Kingdom. By inviting the British monarch to speak, bipartisan congressional leaders have signaled the enduring importance of the shared democratic values and cooperative spirit that have underpinned this alliance for decades, even as the global landscape continues to evolve.