WASHINGTON, D.C. — King Charles addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington on Tuesday, becoming the first British monarch in 35 years to do so. The address came as the king and Queen Camilla began a state visit to the United States.

It was only the second time a British monarch has addressed Congress. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first such address in 1991.

King Charles said the modern relationship between the two nations spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries, and that he is the nineteenth British sovereign to study the affairs of America with daily attention. He referred to the U.S.-U.K. alliance as one of the most consequential in human history, called it truly unique, and said it is more important today than it has ever been.

"The modern relationship between our two nations and our own peoples spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries. It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America," King Charles said. He said the two countries have always found ways to come together and that the challenges they face are too great for any one nation to bear alone.

He pointed to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East as posing immense challenges for the international community. Some of his remarks received a standing ovation from lawmakers.

"And so, to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world," he said.

Before the address, the king met with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House with a formal arrival ceremony. Trump said of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, "We hope it will always remain that way."