King Charles III became the first British monarch to address the US Congress, delivering a speech that blended humour, literary references, and subtle political messaging. The address, which took place on Tuesday, was met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation from both Democrats and Republicans, a rare moment of unity in the chamber.
The king quoted Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Abraham Lincoln, weaving together themes of shared history and destiny between the UK and the US. He noted that Magna Carta has been 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'—a remark seen by some as a veiled critique of President Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies.
Charles avoided controversial topics such as Iran, Israel, immigration, and climate change, focusing instead on the enduring 'special relationship' between the two nations. The speech was widely regarded as a masterclass in soft power, with the king's measured tone and self-deprecating humour winning over the audience.
President Trump commented earlier that the founding fathers would be 'delighted that the wounds of war healed into the most cherished friendship.' The king's address came nearly 250 years after the US declared independence from his ancestor, King George III.
