Sir David Beckham has praised the King's 'powerful and profound' speech to Congress as the monarch won plaudits for his addresses during his US state visit. The former England footballer, an ambassador for Charles's charity The King's Foundation, posted on Instagram, describing the remarks as 'delivering such an important message to the world with remarkable elegance and humour'.
King's Addresses in Washington DC
The monarch delivered two speeches in Washington DC. The first, a historic address to Congress on Capitol Hill, tackled the diplomatically sensitive topic of the UK and US's strained special relationship. He stressed the importance of Nato and defending Ukraine, telling politicians that the partnership between America and the UK was 'more important today than it has ever been'. The speech was met with multiple standing ovations.
Later, at a White House state dinner, the King delivered a less formal, more personal toast. He called on US president Donald Trump to 'renew' the bonds of friendship between America and the UK at this 'critical time'. The monarch employed humour in both addresses to charm the American leader, joking that Americans would have been speaking French if not for the UK, referencing Mr Trump's 'big plans' for the Moon, and quipping about the Boston Tea Party. He assured politicians he was 'not here as part of some cunning rearguard action' ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Beckham's Tribute
Sir David, who has forged a strong bond with the King, wrote: 'Powerful and profound speech from Our King in Washington DC... Following in his mother's footsteps, showing great leadership and delivering such an important message to the world with remarkable elegance and humour.'
Behind the Speeches
The King's speeches on state visits are written on the advice and with the support of the Government. Input also came from his top aides, including private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, deputy private secretary and visit planning lead Theo Rycroft, and communications director Tobyn Andreae. Also on hand was the UK's ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner – Lord Mandelson's replacement. Sir Christian hit the headlines on Tuesday when he was revealed to have previously described Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as being 'on the ropes' and suggested America's only 'special relationship' was with Israel.
