WASHINGTON — King Charles III used a rare address to Congress Tuesday to celebrate the long relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, while urging both nations not to retreat inward during what he called a more dangerous and uncertain time.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Charles marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain and described the U.S.-U.K. alliance as “one of the most consequential alliances in human history.” He also warned against “clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking,” according to The Associated Press
The speech came during a four-day U.S. visit by Charles and Queen Camilla, which included a White House meeting and state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Trump praised the shared history between the two countries and later described his private Oval Office meeting with the king as “really good,” calling Charles a “fantastic person,” AP reported.
Charles’ remarks highlighted democratic values, the NATO alliance, religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, support for Ukraine, and environmental stewardship. Though the king did not directly criticize Trump, AP noted that some of his comments contrasted with the administration’s positions on climate policy, foreign affairs, and international alliances.
Charles is only the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered a similar speech in 1991. The king said the world today is “more volatile and more dangerous” than the one his mother addressed decades earlier.
The royal couple is expected to continue the U.S. tour with stops in New York City and Virginia.
