In a noteworthy address to the US Congress, King Charles of Britain emphasized the enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States, even amid global turmoil in Europe and the Middle East. He assured that both nations remain steadfast allies, committed to safeguarding democracy, despite current tensions over the conflict involving Iran.

During his speech to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, King Charles remarked, “Regardless of our differences or disagreements, we are united in our pledge to uphold democracy and protect our citizens from harm. We honor the bravery of those who risk their lives daily for our countries.” His entrance, accompanied by Queen Camilla, was met with an extended standing ovation from US lawmakers.

While Buckingham Palace had clarified that the speech would steer clear of political matters, King Charles touched on several significant issues. He subtly addressed former President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO, underscored the importance of US support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, warned against isolationism, and advocated for environmental conservation, a cause close to his heart.

Trump has been vocally critical of NATO and European allies, particularly regarding their hesitance to provide military assistance in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Additionally, he has shown mixed feelings about the continued financial and military aid to Ukraine.

Reflecting on the September 11, 2001, attacks, King Charles stated, “We responded together, as our people have for over a century, standing side by side through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan, and pivotal moments shaping our shared security today. Mr. Speaker, that same unwavering resolve is crucial for defending Ukraine and its valiant citizens.”

In what seemed to be a veiled reference to Trump’s “America First” policy, King Charles expressed hope, saying, “I fervently wish that our nations will persist in defending our shared values alongside our European and Commonwealth partners, and globally, while resisting calls to become increasingly insular.”

Trump a critic of British prime minister

Charles’ speech came on the second day of a four-day state visit to the US during a tense time in relations between the two countries, after Trump has repeatedly criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for what Trump says is his lack of help in prosecuting the Iran war.

The king was only the second British sovereign to address the US Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to both houses in 1991.

Trump has said Starmer, who has won some plaudits at home for not joining the Iran offensive, was no Winston Churchill, while he belittled a later offer of military assistance to defend allies in the region.

As a British monarch, Charles’ speech was written on the advice of the UK government. But his call to safeguard nature reflected a personal, near lifelong passion: How human behaviour needs to be in harmony with nature.

“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” the king said, to more muted applause on the Republican side of the aisle, many of whom are climate change skeptics.

The White House on social media shared a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption “TWO KINGS”.

Trump and his allies have repeatedly objected to the “No Kings” protests against his administration, saying that he is not a king, and this week have accused critics of the president of fanning flames of anger that have led to attempts on his life.

Trump says Charles ‘a fantastic person’

Earlier, during a ceremonial reception at the White House, Trump stressed the friendship that has evolved between Britons and Americans since their days as adversaries during the War of Independence.

“The soldiers who once called each other Redcoats and Yankees became the Tommies and the GIs who together saved the free world as brothers in arms and brothers in eternity,” the president said in a reference to World War Two as hundreds of guests gathered on the South Lawn.

After escorting the king and queen to their limousine for departure from the White House, Trump told reporters, “It was a really good meeting. He’s a fantastic person. They’re incredible people and it’s a real honour.”

As tensions between the two countries have grown over the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

Epstein saga looms

One topic that Charles has sought to avoid on this visit is the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose reputation and royal standing have been destroyed over his links to the late US sex offender, is currently facing police inquiries over his connections. The former Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.

Royal sources have said it was not possible for the royal couple to meet any victims of Epstein during the tour, as some have requested, to avoid impacting any potential criminal cases.

Representative Ro Khanna, co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act who on Tuesday held a roundtable with survivors of Epstein, advocacy organisations, and others, said the king had declined his invitation to meet with survivors.

“I thought the king owed that to the survivors, given his brother’s serious allegations of abuse … He unfortunately declined that request,” Khanna said.

“Survivors are here, sitting with members of Congress, still fighting to be heard, still pushing for real accountability, while many of the powerful figures connected to these systems remain just out of reach, unable to acknowledge survivors face to face,” Sky Roberts, the brother of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, said at the roundtable.

Charles was scheduled to attend a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday night, the first since Trump had the East Wing torn down to make way for his planned ballroom. The East Wing for decades has been the official entrance for guests arriving for state dinners and other functions, and with the area now a construction zone, they will have to take a different route into the building.

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