WASHINGTON, D.C. — King Charles addressed a joint session of the United States Congress during a state visit to Washington, D.C., becoming the second British monarch to do so. He received a standing ovation during the address.

The visit included appearances at the White House, the address to Congress, and a trip to New York City. When King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped onto the White House South Lawn, U.S. television networks switched their coverage to focus on the pageantry of the event. On Wednesday, the king and queen traveled to New York City and visited the 9/11 Memorial.

President Donald Trump repeatedly told reporters he was excited for the visit and praised the long ties between the United States and Britain, making no mention of policy disagreements with Downing Street. "Before we ever proclaimed our independence, Americans carried within us the rare gifts of moral courage. And it came from a small but mighty kingdom from across the sea," Trump said. Referring to the reception King Charles received from members of Congress, he said, "They liked him more than they've ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually."

Officials from the United States and the United Kingdom said their relationship remained strong despite disagreements over the war in Iran. The U.S. declared independence from the British crown 250 years ago.

Google Trends data showed that searches for King Charles in the U.S. spiked 20 to 25 times above normal levels during the visit, and 50 times above normal levels during his speech to Congress. A YouGov poll conducted in 2024 found that 42% of Americans held a favorable view of King Charles, compared with a 67% approval rating for Queen Elizabeth II and a 76% favorable view of Princess Diana.

Elizabeth Holmes, an author and royal family expert, said American interest in the royals reflects their absence from U.S. life. "I think the fascination is rooted in a combination of novelty and distance," Holmes said. "It's not something we have here."

Jacob Knutton, manager of a British-themed restaurant and store in New York, said business was a lot busier around the visit. He said his store imports nearly all of its goods from the UK and is affected by U.S. tariffs on British imports. "I'm sure it will have an effect," Knutton said. "But I'm not expecting magical wand-waving."