King Charles III to become second British monarch to address US Congress – official

King Charles III of Great Britain will address a joint session of the US Congress, becoming only the second British monarch in history to speak before American lawmakers, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of US independence from Great Britain.

Congressional leaders invited Charles to share his vision for the "future of our special relationship and to reaffirm our alliance at this crucial moment in history," the report said. The King’s speech coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence from British rule.

Historically, speeches by monarchs to Congress are rare. Out of 132 addresses by foreign leaders to the US Congress, most were given by presidents and prime ministers.

Queen Elizabeth II remains the only other British monarch to address Congress, delivering a speech to American lawmakers in 1991. Her speech lasted approximately 15 minutes and concluded with the words: "May God Bless America."

Protocol during that visit required members of Congress to refrain from shaking hands, the Queen was permitted to wear a hat in the chamber, and her husband, Prince Philip, was seated on the podium. Some lawmakers boycotted the speech at the time due to British policy in Northern Ireland.