King Charles III addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday in a historic visit aimed at mending frayed US-UK relations. His speech, the first by a British monarch to Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, blended humor, pointed observations, and calls for unity amid global uncertainty.
1. An Acknowledgement of Uncertainty
The King opened by acknowledging "times of great uncertainty" facing both nations, citing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and the threat of political violence. He noted that the US and UK "do not always agree" but emphasized their ability to achieve great things together.
2. A Warning About Executive Power
King Charles praised the British legal tradition of checks and balances, enshrined in the Magna Carta, drawing a standing ovation that began on the Democratic side—a nod to ongoing concerns over executive overreach. His closing remark, "America's words carry weight... The actions of this great nation matter even more," was met with mixed reactions from Democrats.
3. A Nod to NATO and Transatlantic Alliance
Quoting Henry Kissinger, the King highlighted the importance of NATO and noted the alliance's only invocation of Article 5 was after 9/11. He also mentioned climate change, a longtime concern, tying it to Arctic ice melt and NATO's role in protecting citizens and interests.
4. No Mention of Epstein's Victims
Despite expectations, King Charles did not directly address the Jeffrey Epstein scandal or his brother Andrew's involvement. He offered only a vague reference to supporting victims of societal ills, which may disappoint those seeking a stronger stance.
5. A Touch of Royal Humor
The King lightened the mood with jokes, including Oscar Wilde's line about the two nations sharing everything "except a language," and a quip about a British MP held "hostage" during royal speeches. He reassured he was not plotting to reestablish British rule.
Overall, the address appeared to successfully ease tensions, offering a blend of serious diplomacy and royal charm.