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King Charles III visit live updates: Loud applause after Charles' comments on checks to executive power

King Charles met with congressional leaders earlier Tuesday.

Last Updated: April 28, 2026, 4:51 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. Charles later delivered a rare joint address to Congress, where he emphasized the historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. and praised NATO.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
2 hours and 42 minutes ago

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

2 hours and 48 minutes ago

King urges cooperation amid strained UK-US relationship

Amid tensions between the U.S. and U.K. over the war in Iran and other diplomatic issues, King Charles urged cooperation between the two countries.

"The story of the United Kingdom and the United States is, at its heart, a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership," he said. "From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history.

"I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the commonwealth and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking," he said.

Britain's King Charles III addresses a joint meeting of Congress while Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson listen in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/AP
3 hours and 3 minutes ago

Charles emphasizes importance of NATO

King Charles emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance as he spoke about how the U.K. answered the call after the terror attacks against the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people," Charles said. "It is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace from the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting icecaps of the Arctic."

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.
Kylie Cooper/AP

"The commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other's defense, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries," he said.

His comments come amid Trump's criticism of NATO after several allied countries refused to back the U.S. war in Iran.

3 hours and 15 minutes ago

Packed chamber, standing ovations, laughter: Something we don't see often in divided times

Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson applaud the arrival of Britain's King Charles III to speak to a Joint Meeting of Congress in the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, April 28, 2026.
Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images

It's something that we don't see often in a divided Congress: a packed chamber, full of laughter, unity and standing ovations.

The laughter in the chamber is echoing off the walls. The king has had to stop a few times to allow for more laughter and applause.

Democrats and Republicans are listening attentively -- more than they do with a president even from their own party.

-ABC News' Rachel Scott

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