King Charles III delivered a historic address to Congress on Tuesday, becoming the first British king to do so, emphasizing the enduring bonds between the United States and United Kingdom while carefully navigating tensions between the two nations over military commitments abroad.

Speaking to a packed joint session of lawmakers, Charles drew bipartisan applause and standing ovations as he reflected on 250 years of American independence and more than four centuries of shared democratic traditions. According to the Kentucky Lantern, the 20-minute address marked only the second time a British monarch has addressed Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 appearance.

"America's words carry weight and meaning," Charles told lawmakers, drawing applause from both sides of the aisle. He invoked the Magna Carta and the nation's founding documents, tracing democratic principles shared between the two countries. When discussing how the Founding Fathers "carried forward the great inheritance of the British Enlightenment" and foundational ideals of checks and balances on executive power, lawmakers from both parties rose in unified applause—a notable contrast to partisan divisions that typically define Congressional gatherings.

The speech came amid frayed U.S.-U.K. relations stemming from disputes over military strategy in Iran. President Donald Trump has criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to join offensive operations targeting Iran. The White House briefly paused Trump's online attacks during Charles's visit, though tensions remain over defense spending and military cooperation.

Charles drew particular emphasis on renewed support for Ukraine, calling for the same "unyielding resolve" that united the nations in World War II, the Cold War and after the September 11 attacks. He praised NATO, the alliance Trump has frequently criticized, noting that the organization's only invocation of its collective defense clause came when America called upon allies following 9/11.

"We stood with you then, and we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten," the king said, a line that garnered bipartisan standing ovations despite ongoing Congressional fractures over Ukraine assistance.

Charles also subtly acknowledged the Epstein scandal, which has shadowed his visit following the release of millions of documents implicating his brother, Prince Andrew. The king referenced victims of sexual abuse in both nations, noting how diverse, free societies derive strength partly from supporting those harmed by "ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies."

The king punctuated his remarks with humor, joking that 250 years for America is "just the other day" in British terms. He also referenced a tree planted at the White House by his late mother in 1991 as a living symbol of the U.S.-U.K. relationship.

Following the Congressional address, Charles attended a state dinner at the White House alongside Trump and first lady Melania Trump, continuing the ceremonial aspects of his first state visit to the U.S. as reigning monarch.