Rare Speech by King Charles III before the US Congress

He is the second British sovereign to speak on Capitol Hill in Washington after a speech by Elizabeth II in 1991.

In a rare speech before the American Congress, Charles III urged the United States to remain loyal to their historic Western allies on Tuesday, April 28. The alliance between the two countries “cannot rely on past successes”, the British monarch declared to American lawmakers who supported his cause, after being welcomed by Donald Trump at the White House earlier in the morning. He was received during the 250th anniversary year of the US Declaration of Independence, marking the British colonies’ break from the Crown.

“The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to face alone”, Charles III said, urging the two countries to defend their common values and resist calls to “withdraw further into themselves”. The veiled criticism of the American president was delivered from the floor of the chamber, in the presence of Vice President JD Vance and top American officials but in the absence of Donald Trump. Democratic lawmakers particularly applauded the part of the speech mentioning the balance of powers, also seen as a reference to Donald Trump.

Charles III is only the second British sovereign to speak on Capitol Hill in Washington, following a speech by Elizabeth II, his mother, in 1991. The king also called on members of the House and Senate to show “unwavering determination” in defending Ukraine, as Europeans have lamented a disengagement by Washington in support of Kiev against Russia since Donald Trump’s return, both on the battlefield and in diplomatic negotiations.

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After a standing ovation, his first words were to condemn political violence. The shots fired during a press gala attended by Donald Trump on Saturday were an attempt to “further foment fear and discord”, regretted the sovereign. “Such acts of violence will never succeed.” Known for his environmental advocacy, the 77-year-old king also called to protect the environment. The king was scheduled to briefly address a gala dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening.