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King Charles III to Address US Congress in Historic State Visit Speech on Shared UK–US Ties
King Charles III will address the US Congress during his state visit, highlighting shared history and deep UK–US ties
King Charles III is set to deliver a landmark address to the United States Congress during his first state visit as monarch, in a speech expected to underline “shared history” and the enduring ties between the two nations.
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King Charles Congress address will take place during a four-day visit to Washington beginning April 27, alongside Queen Camilla, according to Buckingham Palace.
The royal communications team said the visit will recognise the “shared history” of the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the “breadth” of their modern relationship and deep people-to-people connections.
King Charles III will become the first British monarch to address Congress since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1991, shortly after the Gulf War.
During the visit, the King and Queen Camilla are expected to meet US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for tea, alongside attendance at a state dinner and military review.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that the monarch will address lawmakers from both chambers, although Buckingham Palace has not officially released the exact timing of the speech.
The visit comes amid broader geopolitical tensions and political debate in both the UK and US, though officials have emphasised the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations.
In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the trip, describing it as an important diplomatic engagement that reinforces long-standing royal ties with the United States.
The King’s visit also follows ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as scrutiny continues over his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
Following Washington, the royal couple will travel to New York for engagements with first responders and families affected by the September 11 attacks.
They are also scheduled to attend cultural and business events, including programmes linked to The King’s Trust, which supports young people in need.
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The tour will conclude with visits to Virginia and Bermuda, marking key symbolic stops tied to early British colonial history and independence celebrations.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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