King Charles III used the rare address to a joint session of the United States Congress to underscore the importance of transatlantic alliances, invoKing NATO's collective response after the September 11 attacks and calling for continued unity in support of Ukraine. SpeaKing to lawmakers, the British monarch said that in the aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, "we answered the call together — as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security."
"Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people — it is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace," he added.
The remarks,delivered to repeated standing ovations from members of both parties, touched on themes that have at times put Donald Trump at odds with European allies, including his past criticism of NATO as a "paper tiger" and his assertion that allied forces "stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines" during recent conflicts.
Royal convention typically discourages political commentary but British monarchs are permitted some margins when reflecting government policy, and the King's speech appeared to align with positions taken by Keir Starmer amid recent tensions with Washington over foreign policy, including the war in Iran.
King Charles III with Queen Camilla at the House Chamber of US Capitol on Tuesday.
Charles also acknowledged what he described as "times of great uncertainty," while emphasising the enduring ties between the United States and the United Kingdom ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
"For all that time," he said, "our destinies have been interlinked."
His address came days after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which authorities have described as an attempted assassination of the president. Many of the lawmakers present in the chamber had attended that event.
"Let me say with unshakeable resolve," the King said. "Such acts of violence will never succeed." Charles is only the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered remarks in 1991 focused on shared democratic values and the historical relationship between the two nations.
Before the speech, Charles met with congressional leaders at the Capitol, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who escorted him into the chamber. He also held discussions with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
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