King Charles has delivered a historic speech to Congress, urging President Donald Trump to abandon his 'America First' policy and commit to a renewed alliance with Britain for the benefit of the world. The monarch received multiple standing ovations during a rousing address at a joint session of Congress, reflecting on the shared values of the 'special relationship' between the two nations.
Call for Unity in a Dangerous World
The King referenced the deep connections forged between past monarchs and presidents, stating that amid changing and often turbulent times, Britain and the United States should 'stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm.' Charles's emotional and thought-provoking speech followed an official ceremonial welcome at the White House, where President Trump praised the centuries-old bond between the two countries.
Historic Visit Amid Diplomatic Tensions
The state visit had been in doubt in recent months due to Trump's criticism of the UK and its unwillingness to support his war in the Middle East. However, Trump told guests at the White House: 'Americans have had no closer friends than the British.' Heralding the special relationship, Trump turned to the King and said: 'We hope it will always remain that way.'
The King's most diplomatically sensitive overseas visit comes amid criticism from Trump directed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the war in Iran. Downing Street officials have hoped the royal family's soft-power diplomacy could help heal the rift and forge a united future.
Addressing Assassination Attempt and Global Conflicts
In his speech, which garnered 22 standing ovations, Charles acknowledged the assassination attempt on Trump the previous Saturday, saying: 'We meet in times of great uncertainty; in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East... We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation. Such acts of violence will never succeed.' He emphasized that regardless of differences, the two nations stand united in upholding democracy and protecting their people.
Looking to the Future
Charles reflected on his late mother's 1991 address but urged a focus on a new future. 'Our shared values prevailed. Today, we find ourselves in a new era, but those values remain. The challenges we face are too great for any one Nation to bear alone. Renewal today starts with security. Drawing on these values, our two countries have always found ways to come together.'
The reception to Charles's speech, written with government advice, will be noted by Downing Street, which dispatched the royals to salvage the alliance amid breakdowns in relations over Iran, tariffs, and the Falkland Islands.
Royal Visit and Shared History
The royals faced criticism for declining to meet victims of Jeffrey Epstein, but royal sources said the King wanted to acknowledge victims' suffering globally. He stated: 'In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength.'
Earlier at the White House, Trump spoke of his family's love for the royals, revealing his mother had a crush on Charles as a young man. Senior administration officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attended the welcome. Trump declared: 'In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British.'
The visit commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and comes at a crucial juncture. Charles reflected on 'one of the greatest alliances in human history,' while Trump said the occasion should be used to look forward. On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla travel to New York to pay respects at the 9/11 memorial ahead of its 25th anniversary.
