King Charles III delivers historic address to US Congress amid strained Anglo-American relations
The King acknowledged shared uncertainties in global security and the importance of executive oversight, receiving mixed reactions from the chamber as he sought to repair diplomatic ties with President Donald Trump.
King Charles III has delivered a historic address to the US Congress, marking the first royal speech to the body since Queen Elizabeth II spoke in 1991. The visit, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of US independence, was framed as a mission to repair strained Anglo-American relations and promote themes of reconciliation and renewal.
During the address, the King acknowledged that the two nations do not always see eye to eye, citing shared uncertainties regarding conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, as well as political violence in the US. He noted that while the spirit of 1776 binds them, the current state of US-UK relations reflects British reluctance to fully back the joint US-Israeli war against Iran.
The monarch emphasised the critical importance of executive power being subject to checks and balances, referencing the Magna Carta as a bedrock principle in the US Constitution. This line of the speech prompted a standing ovation that reportedly began among Democrats before spreading to the entire room, resonating with critics of the Trump administration who have frequently denounced the president for alleged abuses of power.
In remarks following the speech, President Donald Trump described the King as a fantastic person and stated it was a real honour to have him visit. However, the address also contained lines that raised eyebrows in the White House, particularly when the King quoted Henry Kissinger regarding an Atlantic partnership and noted that NATO had only mobilised for defence after the 9/11 attacks.
The King made an oblique reference to supporting victims of societal ills, which some observers interpreted as a missed opportunity to directly address the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This omission comes despite Congress recently mandating the release of related files, which revealed connections to figures including former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson and the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Drawing on his own five-year service in the Royal Navy, the King discussed the benefits of security and intelligence cooperation between the two nations and addressed climate change as a shared challenge. While the speech included whimsical moments, such as joking about the member of parliament held hostage when the King speaks, the primary focus remained on reinforcing the alliance despite regional tensions and differing policy approaches.
