Charles to tell Congress that US-UK relationship is one of ‘reconciliation and renewal’
The King will testify to Congress that while Britain and the United States have not always agreed on everything, the nations’ shared traditions mean “our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
The monarch’s remarks, made in speeches to both houses on Tuesday, will be seen as a tacit acknowledgment of recent transatlantic tensions over the Iran war that have left Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at odds.
Charles is also expected to make a brief reference to the shooting at the Washington dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and offer “the greatest respect and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” in a show of solidarity and support on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
This was only the second time a British monarch addressed a joint meeting of Congress; the first was the late Queen Elizabeth in 1991.
This comes as the royal couple continues their four-day state visit to the United States, where they will also be guests of honor at a banquet at the White House.
In a nod to recent tensions that have seen Mr Trump harshly criticize Britain. Charles It will reflect that while the UK and US have not always agreed on everything over the last 250 years, the foundations of their “democratic, legal and social traditions” dating back to Magna Carta “our two countries have always found ways to come together”.
He is also poised to point out how the US and UK have stood together at defining moments in their shared history and that “our defence, intelligence and security ties are measured in decades, not years”.
In the face of global uncertainty and the challenges it creates, the King is expected to say that by defending and reaffirming these shared values and ideals, both nations can enhance security and prosperity for the benefit of the world, now and in the future.
And speaking of his own faith, he will express his belief that at the heart of the two countries lies “the spirit of generosity and the duty to promote compassion, promote peace, deepen mutual understanding and value people of all faiths and no faith.”
Charles also addresses the importance of trade and technology agreements that will play a vital role in the countries’ ongoing economic partnership, while also saluting America’s many natural wonders and emphasizing how important it is to defend and protect “nature’s own economy.”
He is expected to conclude his speech by stating that the story of both nations over the last 250 years has been a tale of “reconciliation and renewal” that has led to “one of the greatest alliances in human history” and which he hopes will continue to preserve their shared values long into the future.
The speech, written on the advice of the government, is expected to last 20 minutes.
