U.S. Supreme Court
King Charles’ flyover tribute pauses Supreme Court arguments
President Donald Trump welcomes King Charles III to the White House for a state dinner on April 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The U.S. Supreme Court, during a recent hearing about the Alien Tort Statute, paused when Chief Justice John Roberts stopped the courtroom questioning to make an announcement.
As the justices were hearing arguments for Cisco Systems v. Doe I, a case concerning whether Chinese religious minorities may invoke the Alien Tort Statute of 1798 to sue a California company, Roberts interrupted Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s question to one of the attorneys.
“I’ve been notified that there will be a flyover of four planes at 11:22, and I just want to announce that, so people aren’t alarmed. We’re told the noise might be—might be big,” Roberts said.
He was referring to the flyover of four fighter jets in honor of King Charles III’s recent visit to the White House. He and President Donald Trump watched the jets together, along with a parade, according to coverage by Law.com.
While addressing Congress on Tuesday, King Charles gave the Supreme Court a shoutout, acknowledging the shared traditions between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“The U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances,” King Charles said.
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