Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Harry set to be left out of King's Congress speech

Dorothy Reddin
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:04:17 +0000

King Charles is set to deliver a significant address to the United States Congress this week, carefully avoiding any reference to his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Epstein scandal, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, or the ongoing Iran conflict, sources have claimed.

The 77-year-old monarch is understood to have been refining the speech at his Highgrove estate over recent days, preparing what is being described as one of the most politically delicate addresses by a British sovereign in modern times.

A source told the Sun: "This is what the King does, this is what the Royal Family does - go overseas on behalf of the Government of the day."

The address has been crafted through close coordination between Buckingham Palace and Number 10, with The Times reporting that numerous versions have passed between the two offices.

While sources confirm the monarch will convey the Government's position, the Palace maintains ultimate authority over the final wording, as what insiders describe as the "holder of the pen".

Work on the definitive text was reportedly continuing until late last week.

The speech is not thought to touch upon several contentious transatlantic matters, including the controversy surrounding Harry's visa status, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, the Epstein Files, or the dismissal of UK ambassador Peter Mandelson.

The Congressional address forms the centrepiece of a high-stakes diplomatic effort to mend fractured relations between London and Washington, strained by divisions over the US and Israel's military action against Iran.

On Saturday night, an attempted attack occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, resulting in the immediate evacuation of the President and First Lady.

Earlier today, a Palace spokesman told GB News: "His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed.

"As you would expect, a number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with US colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the Visit."

Ministers are banking on the warm personal relationship between the King and President Donald Trump to help bridge the gap after weeks of acrimonious exchanges between Labour and the Trump administration.

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The diplomatic sensitivities were further highlighted by a leaked Pentagon document suggesting American support for Argentina's sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.

Royal aides have suggested the King will express the Government's stance on both Ukraine and the Middle East situation.

The King and Queen will depart tomorrow for the four-day State Visit, marking His Majesty's fifth overseas trip of this nature during his three-year reign.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will accompany the royal couple, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer notably absent from the travelling party.

A royal source maintained that consultation between the Palace and Downing Street over State Visit speeches is standard practice.