King Charles to reaffirm U.K.-U.S. relationship in rare address to Congress

King Charles III plans to reaffirm the United Kingdom and the United States’ long “special relationship” and common values of democracy and freedom in a rare speech to Congress on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — King Charles III plans to reaffirm the United Kingdom and the United States’ long “special relationship” and common values of democracy and freedom in a rare speech to Congress on Tuesday.

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The king will express “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States in this landmark anniversary year,” 250 years since America declared its independence from Britain, according to a Buckingham Palace official who previewed the address.

Charles' remarks come as the transatlantic alliance has been strained by President Donald Trump’s war against Iran. Trump has lashed out at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not joining the U.S. in the initial attack on Iran, disparaging him as “no Winston Churchill.” The president has a closer personal relationship with the king and Queen Camilla, who hosted Trump at a state dinner at Windsor Castle in September.