EXCLUSIVE — House Speaker Mike Johnson told Washington Secrets that King Charles III will get a “warm welcome” when he delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.
Trans-Atlantic relations have been strained by the war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s attacks on the British prime minister.
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But Johnson said the day would rise above current troubles.
“I think he’s very much looking forward to this event,” Johnson said during an interview on the steps of the British ambassador’s residence at a garden party to welcome the King and Queen to Washington.
“It’s historic. We feel the weight of that. I believe the timing of this is providential,” Johnson said. “I think it’ll be a good unifying event for Congress, and marks our independence and emphasizes this special relationship we have with the U.K.”
The British monarch is making a state visit at the invitation of Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
It could not come at a more awkward time. Trump has railed against Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, for failing to back his attacks on Iran. His administration has even floated the idea of withdrawing its support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands as punishment.
But Johnson said this was not a time for politics.
“This is about independence and the celebration of this common heritage in history that we have together,” he said. “I think it transcends the current events.”
The King is due to be on the Hill from about 1:30 p.m. onwards, followed by the state banquet in the afternoon.
He and Queen Camilla landed in Washington on Monday for a four-day visit.
It began with tea at the White House, followed by a garden party for about 600 guests at the British ambassador’s residence.
On Wednesday, they travel to New York. Thursday, their final day, will be spent in Virginia.
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