British King Charles III. delivered a rare speech to the US Congress on Tuesday (April 28th), where he used the platform to emphasize the strength of the alliance, call for unity amid global conflict and reaffirm the shared democratic values between the UK and the US.
His speech came at a time of geopolitical tension, particularly over the war with Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and wider global instability.
US-UK Alliance “United in Democracy”
King Charles began his speech by emphasizing that, despite their differences, the two nations remain firmly united in the defense of democratic values.
“Whatever our differences, whatever our disagreements, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, protect all our people from harm, and praise the courage of those who risk their lives daily in the service of our countries,” he said.
He described the US Congress as “the citadel of democracy” and emphasized the shared responsibility to protect freedom.
“I come here today with the highest respect for the Congress of the United States — that bulwark of democracy created to represent the voice of all American citizens for the promotion of sacred rights and liberties,” he said.
Warning against isolationism
The king warned against turning inward at a time of global instability and urged stronger international cooperation.
“The challenges we face are too great for any nation to bear alone … our alliance cannot rest on past successes,” Charles warned.
He added a broader call to resist isolationist thinking: “I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values … and that we will ignore Clarion’s calls to be increasingly introspective,” he said.
Strong support for Ukraine
The main topic of the speech was the continued Western support for Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia.
“The same, unyielding determination is needed to defend Ukraine … to ensure a truly just and lasting peace,” the king said.
He likened the current global demands to historic moments of unity: “The same ‘unyielding determination’ we saw after the 9/11 attacks was needed to defend Ukraine and its bravest people,” he said.
Call for global stability in the midst of conflict
Without directly naming all the conflicts, King Charles spoke of growing instability across regions, including Europe and the Middle East.
He said: “Times of great uncertainty… from Europe to the Middle East… present immense challenges to the international community and the impact of which is being felt in communities the length and breadth of our own countries.”
He warned that global peace required continued cooperation: “The partnership between Europe and America was more important today than ever before,” he said.
Condemnation of political violence
In one of the most sharply worded sections, the king condemned political violence and reaffirmed democratic resilience.
“Let me say with unwavering determination: such acts of violence will never succeed,” he said.
Common history and democratic foundations
Charles emphasized the deep historical roots linking the US and Great Britain, citing centuries of shared principles of governance.
“All this time our destinies have been intertwined,” he said.
He also pointed to constitutional traditions: “Magna Carta has been cited in more than 160 US Supreme Court cases,” underscoring shared legal foundations.
A warm welcome in Congress
The speech received numerous standing ovations from lawmakers across party lines. The king recognized the significance of the moment and the US’s democratic heritage.
“I come here today with the highest respect for the Congress of the United States,” he said.
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