King bids to heal UK’s ‘special relationship’ with US in historic Congress speech after Trump’s repeated attacks on Starmer
In his historic speech to Congress tomorrow, the King will try to calm the turbulent waters by telling politicians that “our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
He will also gently point out his own proud record in the service, responding sharply to President Trump’s harsh dismissal of the UK armed forces, particularly the Royal Navy.
In one of his final remarks, in what he saw as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s failure to support his war with Iran, the American leader described Britain’s assets as “toys” and added: “You don’t even have a navy.” ‘You’re too old and you have aircraft carriers that don’t work.’
Royal aides say Her Majesty, as head of the British armed forces, will ‘proudly’ reference her own service in the Royal Navy and highlight how the US and Britain stood together in moments that defined our shared history, observing that ‘our defence, intelligence and security ties are measured in decades, not years’.
In doing so, he will touch on current topical issues such as NATO, from which Mr Trump has threatened to withdraw, AUKUS, the Middle East and Ukraine.
The King married his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991. She will be the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress, including Queen Elizabeth II.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King George III, who arrived at the White House today. Charles and Queen greet Camilla
Image: King III. Charles with US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on September 18, 2025
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley (right) on the first day of their state visit to the United States today
His 20-minute speech is being written on his advice to support the Government’s strategic priorities, but the language and tone will be his own.
The overall message of the speech will be: As we live in a time of great challenges nationally and internationally, by defending and reaffirming our shared democratic values—values that have been deeply woven into the fabric of both our nations throughout history—we can promote security and prosperity now and into the future, not only for our two countries, but for the entire world.
In his opening speech, Charles will also make a brief reference to the events of Saturday evening, in the spirit of solidarity, sympathy and support, and offer ‘the highest respect and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States’ in this landmark anniversary year.
Returning to the main theme, he will state that although the UK and the US have not always agreed on everything over the last 250 years, the foundations of our ‘democratic, legal and social traditions’, dating back to Magna Carta, ‘our two countries have always found ways to come together’.
He will say that when they do this, the results will be of global benefit, not just national.
In addressing these values, the King will speak of his own faith and his belief that at the heart of our two nations lies ‘the duty to promote generosity and compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and no faith’.
He will say that such values must be defended.
He plans to reflect on ‘how vital it is to freedom and equality’ to defend our shared ideals, such as the rule of law, which is central to our democratic traditions and our shared economic prosperity.
President Donald Trump will visit King George III during the US President’s state visit on September 18, 2025. He bid farewell to Charles at Windsor Castle
Looking ahead, His Highness will highlight the importance of trade and technology agreements, which will play a vital role in the two countries’ ongoing economic partnership.
It will also celebrate America’s many natural wonders and highlight how important it is to defend and protect ‘Nature’s own economy.’
It remains to be seen how these comments will sit well with President Trump, a prominent climate change denier who has shot down many of his country’s green initiatives.
But the two men had discussed the matter candidly before.
The King will conclude his speech by stating that the story of our two nations over the last 250 years has been one of ‘reconciliation and renewal’, leading to ‘one of the greatest alliances in human history’.
This is an alliance that His Majesty hopes and prays will continue to uphold and celebrate the values he holds dear into the future.
Later in the day, the King will give another speech at a magnificent state dinner at the White House, where President Trump will also speak.
