King Charles showcased his signature wit today as he addressed the US Congress in Washington DC’s Capitol building. The King’s moving speech was met with rapturous applause and a standing ovation as he spoke of the heart of the relationship between the UK and the US as “a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership”.
Charles gave an eight-word verdict about the US-UK alliance, saying: “these roots run deep, and they are still vital” – in reference to the Declaration of Independence and its influence from English Common Law and Magna Carta. Addressing a joint session inside the Hall of the House, Charles spoke of the “unique” relationship between the two nations, which he said “is more important today than it has ever been.”
“From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential Alliances in human history,” he said.
“I pray with all my heart that our Alliance will continue to defend our shared values, with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.”
The King’s speech was peppered with his usual good humour, prompting polite laughter from the chamber, especially when he said: “With the spirit of 1776 in our minds, we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree – at least in the first instance!”
Echoing Trump’s words on the White House lawn earlier on Tuesday, the King spoke about the US-UK alliance, saying: “these roots run deep, and they are still vital”.
Referencing the gunman who attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by the President on Saturday night, the King said: “Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries.”
In an opaque reference to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, following calls for the King and Queen to meet with them during their trip, the monarch said: “In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”
Palace sources said such a meeting would not be possible during the four-day state visit as it could jeopardise legal proceedings and stop justice for victims.
It is understood that the King was mindful to acknowledge all victims of abuse in his landmark speech today.
Ahead of his visit to the 9/11 memorial on Wednesday, the King said: “During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss. We stood with you then. And we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten.”
Charles also spoke of the “unyielding resolve” needed to defend Ukraine, tackle the melting ice-caps of the Arctic, and commitment to NATO.
And returning to familiar territory, the King warned that we ignore climate change “at our peril”, as he described nature as “our most precious and irreplaceable asset”.
Concluding his speech, Charles said: “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since Independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more… and so, to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.”