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King Charles III visit live updates: Read Charles’ full toast at White House state dinner

King Charles met with congressional leaders earlier Tuesday.

Last Updated: April 29, 2026, 12:21 PM EDT

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making their first-ever state visit to the U.S., visiting Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia. 

The royals’ visit comes amid significant strains between the U.K. and the U.S. over the war in Iran. It’s also happening under the shadow of Charles' brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connection to the ongoing Epstein scandal.

The king and queen were feted at the White House on Tuesday with a traditional military arrival ceremony and a state dinner. Charles also delivered a rare joint address to Congress, where he emphasized the historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. and praised NATO.

Apr 28, 2026, 10:04 PM EDT

King Charles, Trump share quips, tout US-UK relationship at state dinner

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla back to the White House Tuesday evening for a state dinner in the East Room.

Trump opened the dinner by lavishing praise on the royal and joking about the bipartisan reception King Charles III received during his address to Congress earlier Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III raise a toast during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images

"He got Democrats to stand, I've never been able to do that. I couldn't believe it," Trump joked.

Trump also remarked about the long history of the U.S. and the U.K., calling it a "very, very special and incredible friendship."

President Donald Trump speaks as he and First Lady Melania Trump host Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images

King Charles III began his toast by reflecting on the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on Saturday, "paying tribute to your own courage and steadfastness, as well as to your security services for their swift actions on Saturday evening in preventing further injury," the king told Trump. "My thoughts and sympathies are very much with you, the first lady and all those guests for whom this must have been a very upsetting incident."

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Britain's King Charles III raise a toast as they attend a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images

There were light-hearted moments in the king's toast as well.

The king referenced Trump's decision to tear down the East Wing to build a White House ballroom, making a joke referencing the burning down of the White House during the War of 1812.

"On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year," the king said. "And I'm sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814."

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's King Charles and Queen Camila pose in front of the Grand Staircase prior to a state dinner at the White House in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images

Towards the end of his remarks, King Charles presented the president with the bell from HMS Trump, a British ship during World War II.

-ABC News' Meg Mistry, Michelle Stoddard and Fritz Farrow

Apr 28, 2026, 8:16 PM EDT

Here's who's on the guest list for state dinner

Supreme Court justices, CEOs and a golf champion are all on the list of attendees for Tuesday's state dinner honoring King Charles III.

Chief Justice John Roberts and his wife will be in attendance, as well as Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas, according to the list shared by the first lady's office.

The list also includes pro golfer and Master's winner Rory McIlroy and his wife, as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is also on the list.

Several Fox News employees are also attending, including Bret Baier and his wife, Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters and Rachel Campos Duffy.

Apr 28, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive for White House state dinner

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening for a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

The evening's entertainment is set to include musicians from the Marines, Army and Air Force, according to the White House.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomes Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico as they arrive for a state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 28, 2026.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters

The decor is designed to reflect "a shared appreciation for gardens."

"Cherry blossoms greet guests upon entering the Grand Foyer. Inspired by the beauty of English gardens, towering trees and blossoming garden boxes of lilac enhance the splendor of the room," a press release from the White House said.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomes Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico as they arrive for a state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 28, 2026.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters

The first lady wore a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, with off-white Dior suede gloves and Dior silk pumps, according to the first lady's office .

Apr 28, 2026, 4:11 PM EDT

King receives bipartisan applause during speech with no outbursts

The House chamber remained at capacity throughout the king’s remarks. It was not apparent that any lawmakers walked out of the address in protest and there were no protests or outbursts.

Britain's King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Several times, Charles was met with bipartisan praise -- including when he spoke of checks and balances on executive power and when he called for peace in Ukraine.

The king departed the chamber and shook hands with military officials, retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle -- including Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer -- and other rank-and-file House members.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

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