King Charles gives 8-word verdict on UK-US alliance in moving Congress | Royal | News
King Charles showed off his trademark wit as he addressed the US Congress at Washington DC’s Capitol building today. The King’s moving speech was met with rapturous applause and a standing ovation as he spoke of the heart of the relationship between the UK and the US as “a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership”.
Citing the Declaration of Independence and its influence from English Common Law and Magna Carta, Charles offered an eight-word verdict on the US-UK alliance: “These roots run deep and remain vital.” Speaking at a joint session in the parliament chamber, Charles spoke of the “unique” relationship between the two countries and said it was “more important today than ever”.
“From bitter separations 250 years ago, we formed a friendship that grew into one of the most important alliances in human history,” he said.
“I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe, the Commonwealth and around the world, and that we will not ignore the clarion calls to be even more inward-looking.”
The King’s speech was full of his usual good humour, and caused polite laughter in the room, especially when he said: “With the spirit of 1776 in mind, we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree – at least not at first!”
Echoing Trump’s words on the White House lawn earlier Tuesday, the King said of the US-UK alliance: “These roots run deep and they remain vital.”
Referring to the gunman who tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by the President on Saturday night, King said: “Let me say this with unwavering determination: such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever our disagreements, we stand united in our determination to support democracy, protect all our people from harm, and salute the courage of those who risk their lives every day in the service of our countries.”
In a non-transparent reference to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims following a call for the King and Queen to meet them during their travels, the monarch said: “It is a reality of our vibrant, diverse and free societies in both countries that gives us our collective strength, including supporting the victims of some of the diseases that are tragically present in both our societies today.”
Palace sources said such a meeting would not be possible during the four-day state visit as it could jeopardize legal proceedings and halt justice for victims.
The King is understood to have taken care to remember all victims of abuse in his landmark speech today.
Ahead of his visit to the September 11 commemoration ceremony on Wednesday, the King said: “During my visit to New York, my wife and I will once again pay tribute to the victims, the families and the courage shown in the face of terrible loss. We were with you then. And we are with you now to commemorate a day that will never be forgotten.”
Charles also spoke of the “unyielding determination” required to defend Ukraine, combat the melting Arctic ice caps and commit to NATO.
And returning to familiar territory, the King warned that we should ignore climate change “at our peril”, describing nature as “our most precious and irreplaceable asset”.
Concluding his speech, Charles said: “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have done since Independence. The actions of this great nation are even more important… and therefore, for the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and the peoples of all the world.”
