A resolution welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom to the United States on the occasion of His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress, and recognizing the historic global significance of the United States-United Kingdom relationship.

Bill Number: S.Res. 697
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2086)
Last Updated: 2026-05-04T22:37:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 697) welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom to the United States for his address to a joint meeting of Congress on April 28, 2026. It also recognizes the historic and ongoing importance of the U.S.-United Kingdom relationship, highlighting shared history, values, and cooperation.

Key Provisions

Background ("Whereas" clauses): Outlines the deep ties between the U.S. and UK, including:
Shared heritage, language, culture, legal traditions, and democratic principles rooted in the English Enlightenment.
Formal diplomatic relations since 1785.
Recent statements by President Trump on the "priceless and eternal" bond.
Joint scientific and technological advances, including the 2025 U.S.-UK Technology Prosperity Deal.
Security partnerships via NATO, UN Security Council, Five Eyes intelligence sharing, AUKUS, and the 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement.
History of standing together in major conflicts (e.g., World Wars, Cold War, Korean War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan).
UK's support for NATO spending increases, aid to Ukraine, and countering threats from China, Russia, and Iran.
King Charles III's military service, environmental work, and founding of the King's Trust for disadvantaged youth.
This address marks the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Actions ("Resolved" clauses): The Senate:

Welcomes the King and Queen on their first official state visit.
Recognizes the visit's historic link to the U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
Reaffirms the U.S.-UK partnership for shared values, peace, security, and prosperity.
Expresses appreciation for the friendship between the two nations' peoples.
Encourages deeper security cooperation, including in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a simple resolution of the Senate, which expresses the chamber's opinion but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no binding legal effect and does not require House approval or presidential signature.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: Minimal direct impact; may encourage enhanced diplomatic coordination between the State Department, Defense Department, and UK counterparts on security issues.
Citizens: Symbolic boost to public awareness of U.S.-UK ties; no direct effects on rights or obligations.
International relations: Reinforces the "special relationship" diplomatically, potentially strengthening alliances like NATO and AUKUS amid global tensions (e.g., Ukraine, China). Could foster goodwill during the King's visit and U.S. independence anniversary celebrations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Senate: Primary actor, with broad bipartisan sponsorship (over 30 senators from both parties).
U.S. and UK governments: Benefits executive branches through reaffirmed partnerships.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla: Honored directly via the welcome.
U.S. and UK citizens: Indirectly, through highlighted shared history and friendship.
Security and military communities: U.S. personnel in the UK, NATO allies, and partners in intelligence-sharing (Five Eyes, AUKUS).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: Fully compliant with Senate rules for resolutions; no constitutional issues as it is non-binding and ceremonial.
Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (cosponsored by leaders from both parties). Highlights U.S. commitment to transatlantic alliances during geopolitical challenges. Serves as a formal gesture for a high-profile royal visit, echoing historical precedents like Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 address.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

Cosponsors (32)

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]

Recent Actions

2026-04-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2076-2077; text: CR S2086)
2026-04-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Versions

Welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom to the United States on the occasion of His Majesty’s address to a joint meeting of Congress, and recognizing the historic global significance of the United States-United Kingdom relationship. — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (5 pages)