King Charles has delivered a historic address to the US Congress, extolling the strength of the transatlantic alliance and urging continued support for Ukraine and action on the climate crisis. The speech, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, was the first by a British monarch to a joint session of Congress in 35 years.
The King said: 'America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more.' He praised the 'special relationship' as 'truly unique' and noted that the alliance had been built over centuries.
In pointed comments, the King made veiled reference to the importance of Nato, saying the commitment of US armed forces and allies lay 'at the heart of Nato', and urged 'unyielding resolve' for 'Ukraine and her most courageous people' to 'secure a truly just and lasting peace'. He also warned of the 'collapse of critical natural systems', asserting that 'we ignore at our peril' the fact that nature's economy underpins prosperity and national security.
Highlighting economic ties, the King cited $430bn in annual trade and $1.7tn in mutual investment, and backed the Aukus submarine programme as 'the most ambitious in history'. He described a world that had grown 'more volatile and more dangerous' since his mother's address to Congress in 1991.
The visit included a White House arrival ceremony at which President Trump declared 'Americans have no closer friends than the British', but the King's arrival was conducted in private to avoid a public argument akin to that seen during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit. Notable differences between the two governments, including Britain's refusal to join US strikes on Iran and Trump's complaints about trade policy, were left unspoken in the King's diplomatic remarks.
