King Charles III brought laughter to the chamber during his historic address to both houses of the US Congress on Capitol Hill. The monarch emphasised that the partnership between the two nations is "more important today than it has ever been," while also entertaining the audience with several witty remarks. Here are five of his best jokes:
1. Oscar Wilde's Take on Language
The King received an early laugh when he quoted Oscar Wilde: "As Oscar Wilde said, 'We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.'"
2. A Tale of Two Georges
His next laugh came when he referenced Charles Dickens: "This is a city which symbolises a period in our shared history, or what Charles Dickens might have called 'A Tale of Two Georges': the first President, George Washington, and my five-times Great Grandfather, King George III."
3. No Cunning Rearguard Action
The King then joked that his presence in the US "is not here as some cunning rearguard action." He said: "King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action."
4. The Founding Fathers as Rebels
He later added: "The Founding Fathers were bold and imaginative rebels with a cause." Adding to laughter in the room: "250 years ago, or, as we say in the United Kingdom 'just the other day', they declared Independence."
5. A Hostage at Buckingham Palace
The King sparked more laughter when he asked for volunteers to adopt the role of the MP who is held ceremonially "hostage" at Buckingham Palace while the King delivers his speech at the State Opening of Parliament. "These days, we look after our guest rather well – to the point that they often do not want to leave. I don't know, Mr Speaker, if there were any volunteers for that role here today…?" the King said.
Read the King's speech to US Congress in full as he cracks jokes and hails alliance.
