King Charles met with congressional leaders earlier Tuesday.
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.
President Trump, King Charles, first lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla observed the military flyover from the balcony of the White House.
Next, they are expected to go into the White House Blue Room, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will sign the White House guest book and exchange gifts with the president and first lady.
Amid diplomatic tension between the U.S. and the U.K. over the war in Iran, President Trump spoke about the "special relationship" between the two nations.
"In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British," Trump said. "We share that same root. We speak the same language, we hold the same values, and together, our warriors have defended the same extraordinary civilization under twin banners of red, white and blue."
"What a beautiful British day this is," President Trump said as he kicked off remarks with thousands of guests gathered outside the White House South Lawn on a rainy morning in Washington.
The royals' state visit is to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.
"Honoring the British king might seem an ironic beginning to our celebration of 250 years of American independence, but in fact, no tribute could be more appropriate," Trump said. "Long before Americans had a nation or a Constitution, we first had a culture, a character and a creed."
President Trump and King Charles are now reviewing the troops gathered at the White House, after performances by the U.S. Marine Band of "God Save the King" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."
