King Charles has hailed the 'truly unique' alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States during a historic address to the US Congress on Capitol Hill. The King acknowledged victims of sexual abuse in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, highlighting the 'collective strength' of both nations to support survivors.
Speech to Congress
Delivering an address to both houses of Congress, the King told assembled politicians that the partnership between the two nations is 'more important today than it has ever been'. He emphasised that when Britain and America draw on their common values, 'this, I believe, is the special ingredient in our relationship'.
Condemnation of Violence
The King condemned the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a Washington media dinner on Saturday evening, stating that 'such acts of violence will never succeed'.
Global Priorities
During his speech in the Hall of the House, with public and press galleries packed, the King spoke of the importance of Nato, the value of European partners, and the need to reduce world conflicts, stemming the 'beating of ploughshares into swords'—all priorities for Sir Keir Starmer's Government.
With the Queen sitting nearby, the King said: 'Distinguished members of the 119th Congress, it is here in these very halls that this spirit of liberty and the promise of America's Founders is present in every session and every vote cast. Not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, representing the living mosaic of the United States. 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.'
Epstein Scandal
There have been repeated calls by the family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, for a meeting with the King and Queen, but sources have previously said the couple will not meet them. The legal implications of Charles and Camilla coming into contact with any survivors of Epstein, and the King's constitutional position, make a meeting impossible while there are ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein.
State Visit
Charles is midway through a four-day state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and spoke about bonds between former enemies. 'The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique,' said the King. Addressing Mike Johnson, speaker of the House of Representatives, he added: 'That partnership, I believe Mr Speaker, is more important today than it has ever been.'
