King Charles’s address to the US Congress, praised by Donald Trump as “fantastic”, was the result of close collaboration between Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and the Foreign Office. The carefully crafted speech, which received a standing ovation, did not shy away from political subjects, including references to Nato, support for Ukraine, and the importance of checks on executive power.
The speech was written with input from key aides, including private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, deputy private secretary Theo Rycroft, and director of communications Tobyn Andreae. The UK ambassador to the US, Christian Turner, and deputy James Roscoe also played a role in channelling the White House view. Drafts were refined up until the morning of the delivery, with the king making handwritten edits in red ink.
Charles’s address included pointed mentions of Magna Carta and the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances, which drew rapturous applause from Democrats. He also referenced “my prime minister”, Keir Starmer, and his love of the Royal Navy, both of which Trump has previously criticised. Historians described the speech as “exceptional” and “very brave”.
The speech’s impact may not be immediately apparent, with experts suggesting it should be judged in the long term by how it influences views on Nato, Ukraine, and executive power. Despite the current frayed state of the UK-US “special relationship”, the address appealed to much of the US political class.
