King Charles III to make case for 'reconciliation' in speech to US Congress after last-minute change

Buckingham Palace has shared details of King Charles's historic US Congress speech today - including a major push for "reconciliation".

The King will deliver a landmark address to lawmakers on Tuesday, becoming only the second British monarch to address a joint meeting following Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991.

GB News understands the speech, expected to last for 20 minutes, has been prepared with input from the UK Government to reflect its strategic priorities, though the tone and language will also carry the King’s personal imprint.

The monarch will use the address to emphasise the strength of the UK-US relationship at a time of global uncertainty, highlighting the enduring importance of shared democratic values.

In what was a last-minute change to the speech, the King will reference the events of Saturday evening in his opening remarks, offering a message of solidarity and support.

Charles will also honour "people of all faiths and none" in his address.

Elsewhere, he will tell representatives he brings “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” during the latter's landmark anniversary year.

The central theme of the speech will focus on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, forged over more than two centuries.

While acknowledging that Britain and America have not always agreed, the King will stress that their shared “democratic, legal and social traditions” have ensured they consistently find common ground.

GB News understands the monarch will underline how these foundations, which trace back as far as Magna Carta, have enabled both countries to work together in ways that deliver not only national benefits but global impact.

The King is also expected to draw on his personal faith, speaking about the moral responsibilities shared by both nations.

He will highlight what he sees as a common “generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none”.

Defence and security will feature prominently in the address. The King is set to reflect on his own experience in the Royal Navy, while pointing to the long-standing cooperation between the UK and the US.

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Their defence, intelligence and security partnerships, he will note, are “measured not in years but in decades”.

GB News understands he will also touch on current geopolitical challenges, including Nato, Aukus, the Middle East and Ukraine, framing them within the broader need to defend shared values and uphold the rule of law.

Looking ahead, the King is expected to highlight the importance of future trade and technology partnerships in sustaining economic prosperity, while also addressing environmental concerns.

He will stress the need to protect “Nature’s own economy” alongside traditional economic interests.

The address will conclude with a reflection on the long arc of UK-US relations, which the King will describe as a story of “reconciliation and renewal”, culminating in “one of the greatest alliances in human history”.