King Charles invited to address Congress during visit

April 1 (UPI) — Congressional leaders invited King Charles III to address a joint meeting of Congress when he and Queen Camilla visit the United States in late April.

Charles is visiting to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain. It would be the first address to Congress by a British monarch in 35 years.

A letter was sent Wednesday signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Republican leader John Thune, R-S.D., Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

“As we celebrate this historic milestone and recommit ourselves to the principles upon which our nation was founded, we also recognize that the American experiment endures in no small part because of the British tradition from which it sprang,” the letter said.

“We believe an Address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history,” it continued. “The United States Congress would be honored to host Your Majesty for this historic event, which will celebrate the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States.”

There have been several former British prime ministers to address Congress. The last member of the British monarchy was Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. She emphasized the relationship between the two nations was rooted in “a shared ‘spirit of democracy,’ and a commitment to the fundamental values of individual freedom, consent of the governed, and the rule of law,” the letter to Charles noted.

Johnson posted on X Wednesday: “It is my distinct honor and great privilege to invite His Majesty King Charles III, The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to address a Joint Meeting of Congress. Our two nations share one of the most consequential partnerships in history, and together we will mark the historic milestone of America’s 250th year of independence.”

Trump said on Tuesday that the visit will be April 27 to 30, and that the White House will host a state dinner on April 28. It will be Charles’ first visit as king.

“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

But some in Britain have pointed out Trump’s recent hostility toward the nation.

“This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump said of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reporters early on in the war.

Ed Davey, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, said Tuesday that Britain should not be “rewarding” Trump and that Starmer should stop the visit.

“You know, the truth is, he’s insulted our country, insulted our troops. He’s undermined our economy with his tariffs and this illegal war, which is putting up people’s petrol prices and energy bills and mortgage costs,” Davey told Sky News.

“And I don’t, frankly, think it’s fair to the king. He’s so unpredictable, Donald Trump. He could criticize our country again. He could criticize the government and leave the king in a very embarrassing situation. So I think this is the wrong decision,” Davey said.