Charles Marks America’s 250th Independence Year
King Charles III has extended his “warmest congratulations” to the United States as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
In a message addressed to President Donald Trump, the King described 2026 as “a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere.” He praised the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, calling it one of “extraordinary evolution” and saying the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on America’s remarkable journey over the past two and a half centuries.
“The connection between our people is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time,” the King wrote.
Acknowledging the two nations’ shared history, King Charles noted that despite once being adversaries, the UK and the US have built “one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen.”
“Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people,” he said.
The King highlighted the broad scope of the modern UK-US partnership, describing it as “unique and far-reaching,” with cooperation spanning defence and security, trade, investment, science, research, education, culture and the arts.
Reflecting on his recent state visit to Washington, D.C., in May, King Charles said he had witnessed the strength of the bond between the two countries firsthand. He also emphasized the importance of working together to protect the natural world, saying that environmental decisions made today would shape both nations’ prosperity and security for generations to come.
The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, marked the United States’ separation from British colonial rule. Americans commemorate the historic event each year with Independence Day celebrations.
President Trump is expected to lead this year’s festivities in Washington, D.C., where events include military flyovers, a large fireworks display, and public celebrations. Trump has described the fireworks show as the “largest fireworks show in history.”
Celebrations are taking place across the country. In New York City, the Times Square Ball is scheduled to drop eight times, symbolically marking midnight across each of the United States’ time zones. In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall 250 years ago, a major concert featuring performers including Christina Aguilera is set to honor the occasion.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the United States in May, marking the first British state visit since Queen Elizabeth II’s trip in 2007. The visit came amid political tensions after the UK government chose not to participate in the conflict involving Iran.
During his address to the US Congress, King Charles urged American lawmakers to continue supporting Ukraine and the NATO alliance. Despite political differences between the two countries, a senior royal aide said the King and President Trump had developed a positive relationship, describing them as “a pairing, unlikely though it might be.”
President Trump later praised the monarch, saying, “The greatest king in my book.”
