King Charles III calls on the US to stand by its allies in a rare speech to Congress

He is the second British sovereign to address the Capitol Hill, in Washington, after a speech by Elizabeth II in 1991.

In a rare speech to the American Congress, Charles III called on the United States to remain faithful to its historic Western allies on Tuesday, April 28. The alliance between the two countries “cannot rest on past successes,” declared the British sovereign in front of American lawmakers who supported his cause, after being received by Donald Trump in a rare meeting at the White House. He was received during the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, marking the break of the British colonies with the Crown.

“The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to tackle alone,” said Charles III, urging both countries to defend their common values and resist calls to “withdraw even further into themselves.” This veiled criticism of the American president was delivered from the rostrum, in the presence of Vice President JD Vance and top American officials but in the absence of Donald Trump. Democratic lawmakers particularly applauded the speech passage mentioning the separation of powers, seen as a reference to Donald Trump.

Charles III is only the second British sovereign to speak at the Capitol Hill in Washington, following a speech by Elizabeth II, his mother, in 1991. The king also called on the members of the House and Senate to show “unwavering determination” in defense of Ukraine, as Europeans have lamented a US disengagement in support of Kiev against Russia since Donald Trump’s return, both on the battlefield and in diplomatic negotiations.

After standing ovation, his first words were to condemn political violence. The shots fired Saturday at a press gala attended by Donald Trump were an attempt to “foment more fear and discord,” regretted the sovereign. “Such acts of violence will never succeed.” Known for his advocacy for nature, the 77-year-old king also called for environmental protection. The king was expected to briefly speak again Tuesday evening at a gala dinner at the White House.