King Charles III delivered a joint address to Congress on Apr. 28 during his first official visit to the United States as monarch, marking a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. The four-day visit also included Queen Camilla and commemorated the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to highlight the enduring partnership between both countries. King Charles III’s speech made him only the second British monarch to address a joint meeting of Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II’s appearance in 1991.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer joined other officials at events such as a garden party hosted by British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner and a formal State Arrival Ceremony at the White House. After King Charles III’s remarks before Congress, Cramer said, “To hear King Charles III address Congress while I’m a member of it is really special for me. I can’t help but think about myself, a 14th generation American with three ancestors actually on the Mayflower, the ‘original rebels’ if you will. It is moments like this that remind us the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom transcends history and it maintains relevance today. The King, like the President at the White House, talked about values that the President said was handed down to Americans from our family from Great Britain: freedom, democracy, the rule of law. It’s remarkable when you think about the timing of this visit and this speech. Here we are as we celebrate 250 years of American independence from Great Britain, and it shows us how far we’ve come. Two countries who were once on opposite sides of a war, as well as an ocean, are now among the closest allies in the world.”
Cramer serves North Dakotans by assisting them with federal agencies to resolve issues and provide information according to his official website. He has served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative in the U.S. House before joining his current role in Senate according to his official website. He grew up in Kindred, North Dakota according to his official website, earned degrees from Concordia College and University of Mary according to his official website, raised five children with his wife Kris and has eight grandchildren according to his official website, and currently serves on Senate committees for Environment and Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; Banking; Housing; and Urban Affairs according to his official website.
Cramer also said after attending these events: “From the White House ceremony to today’s address before Congress, the whole visit really puts this important geopolitical family partnership on full display for world to see. I was grateful to witness history and be part of welcoming Their Majesties.”
The King’s address comes at what officials describe as an important time for both nations—two former adversaries now sharing close diplomatic ties.