King Charles III is on a historic four-day state visit to the United States (27-30 April 2026) and delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday that went viral online
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are presently undertaking a four-day state visit to the United States (27–30 April 2026), representing the first such visit by a British monarch since 2007. The journey coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence. On Tuesday, 28 April, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the Royal couple with a formal state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn. This was accompanied by an elaborate state dinner in the East Room, serving Dover sole and spring-herbed ravioli.
In an historic moment on Tuesday, King Charles spoke before a joint session of Congress. He highlighted the “indispensable” alliance between the UK and US, advocating for “reconciliation and renewal” and restating shared democratic principles.
Yet, alongside these weighty matters in the King’s Congress speech, observers also spotted something else about the King – his wit.
A video excerpt from Charles’ address was posted on X, showing the Monarch making a self-deprecating joke about British people.
He was heard saying: “200 years ago, or as we say in the United Kingdom, ‘Just the other day’…,” prompting laughter before the King displayed a mischievous grin.
Accompanying the post, one X user remarked: “Today’s main takeaway is King Charles III is actually very funny.”
The footage swiftly gained traction, accumulating over 466,000 views.
One commenter noted: “Very well played Charles,” while the original poster responded: “Had the whole room laughing several times.”
Another joked the King had been “taking lessons from Rowan Atkinson,” while someone else remarked: “He enjoyed that.”
A further X user commented: “They definitely shouldn’t have kept this a secret,” as someone else contended: “There’s never been a time he’s not hilarious.”
Reflecting on British wit, another wrote: “It’s almost compulsory if you’re British.”
King Charles’ speech to a joint session of Congress was characterised by its clever remarks and understated British comedy, which prompted multiple standing ovations and laughter from both sides of the aisle.
Beyond the joke in the footage, the monarch also drew parallels between President George Washington and his own five-times great-grandfather, King George III. He provoked a ripple of amusement by declaring: “Please rest assured I am not here as part of some cunning rear-guard action!”
The King also outlined the Westminster custom of holding a Member of Parliament “hostage” at Buckingham Palace whenever the monarch addresses the assembly to guarantee their safe return. He then playfully enquired of Speaker Mike Johnson whether there were “any volunteers for that role here today?”
Citing Oscar Wilde, the King observed that the UK and US possess “really everything in common… except, of course, language!”
The King maintained his “charm offensive” later that evening at the White House state dinner with several additional quips directed at President Trump. After the President claimed Europe would be “speaking German” without US assistance, the King retorted: “Dare I say it, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French”.
Alluding to Trump’s construction of a new White House ballroom, the King expressed regret for the British “attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814” (the Burning of Washington).
Today, Wednesday, 29 April 2026, King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend a packed day in New York City following their stint in Washington, D.C.
The day will feature a poignant trip to the 9/11 Memorial at One World Trade Center ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. While there, they’ll also speak with first responders and relatives of those who lost their lives that day.
During the afternoon, the pair will separate to attend various engagements throughout the city. King Charles will head to Harlem to visit Harlem Grown, a grassroots nonprofit that mentors children through urban farming and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla will head to the New York Public Library for a literary event with authors.
Charles and Camilla will come back together at approximately 5.15pm local time (10.15pm BST) for a UK-US cultural reception.
