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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, 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

Apr 28, 2026, 4:05 PM EDT

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

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