In brief
- King Charles says the UK and the US will always be united in defending democracy.
- Charles is only the second British sovereign to address the US Congress.
Britain's King Charles has told the US Congress that despite an age of uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, the UK and the US will always be staunch allies united in defending democracy, at a time of deep divisions between the two long-time allies over the war with Iran.
"Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries," Charles told US poiticians during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, and after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.
In a speech that Buckingham Palace said beforehand would not be political, Charles also made references to President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO, highlighted the importance of continued US help for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the dangers of isolationism, and even a call for the safeguarding of nature, an important issue to the king for most of his life.
Trump has been highly critical of NATO and European allies, most recently over their reluctance to provide military help in the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trump has also been ambivalent about prolonged US financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Charles referred to the September 11, 2001, attacks, saying, "we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security today. Mr Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine, and her most courageous people."
In what appeared to be a reference to Trump's "America First" agenda, Charles added, "I pray with all my heart that our lands will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking."
Trump a critic of British prime minister
Charles' speech came on the second day of a four-day state visit to the US during a tense time in relations between the two countries, after Trump has repeatedly criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for what Trump says is his lack of help in prosecuting the Iran war.
The king was only the second British sovereign to address the US Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to both houses in 1991.
Trump has said Starmer, who has won some plaudits at home for not joining the Iran offensive, was no Winston Churchill, while he belittled a later offer of military assistance to defend allies in the region.
As a British monarch, Charles' speech was written on the advice of the UK government. But his call to safeguard nature reflected a personal, near lifelong passion: How human behaviour needs to be in harmony with nature.
"As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset," the king said, to more muted applause on the Republican side of the aisle, many of whom are climate change skeptics.
The White House on social media shared a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption "TWO KINGS".
Trump and his allies have repeatedly objected to the "No Kings" protests against his administration, saying that he is not a king, and this week have accused critics of the president of fanning flames of anger that have led to attempts on his life.
Trump says Charles 'a fantastic person'
Earlier, during a ceremonial reception at the White House, Trump stressed the friendship that has evolved between Britons and Americans since their days as adversaries during the War of Independence.
"The soldiers who once called each other Redcoats and Yankees became the Tommies and the GIs who together saved the free world as brothers in arms and brothers in eternity," the president said in a reference to World War Two as hundreds of guests gathered on the South Lawn.
After escorting the king and queen to their limousine for departure from the White House, Trump told reporters, "It was a really good meeting. He’s a fantastic person. They’re incredible people and it’s a real honour."
As tensions between the two countries have grown over the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its support for Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands.
Epstein saga looms
One topic that Charles has sought to avoid on this visit is the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose reputation and royal standing have been destroyed over his links to the late US sex offender, is currently facing police inquiries over his connections. The former Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
Royal sources have said it was not possible for the royal couple to meet any victims of Epstein during the tour, as some have requested, to avoid impacting any potential criminal cases.
Representative Ro Khanna, co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act who on Tuesday held a roundtable with survivors of Epstein, advocacy organisations, and others, said the king had declined his invitation to meet with survivors.
"I thought the king owed that to the survivors, given his brother's serious allegations of abuse ... He unfortunately declined that request," Khanna said.
"Survivors are here, sitting with members of Congress, still fighting to be heard, still pushing for real accountability, while many of the powerful figures connected to these systems remain just out of reach, unable to acknowledge survivors face to face," Sky Roberts, the brother of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, said at the roundtable.
Charles was scheduled to attend a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday night, the first since Trump had the East Wing torn down to make way for his planned ballroom. The East Wing for decades has been the official entrance for guests arriving for state dinners and other functions, and with the area now a construction zone, they will have to take a different route into the building.
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