Mike Johnson says King Charles’s speech to Congress will be a ‘unifying event’
Mike Johnson saeid King Charles III will receive a warm reception when he addresses a joint session of Congress, arguing the event can rise above current disputes and help unify lawmakers. he called the timing “providential,” emphasizing the celebration of shared heritage and the special U.S.-UK relationship.
Johnson acknowledged that transatlantic relations are tense-especially due to the war in Iran and President Trump’s criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including threats tied to the Falkland Islands-but insisted the King’s visit should remain focused on independence and history, not politics.
The King and Queen arrived Monday for a four-day visit: they began with tea at the White House, followed by a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence. On Tuesday they are scheduled to appear on capitol Hill around 1:30 p.m., followed by a state banquet, then travel to New York on Wednesday and to Virginia on Thursday.
Exclusive – 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.
Transatlantic 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 UK.”
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 Sir 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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