King Charles Hails U.K.-U.S. Bond as 'More Important' Than Ever But Splits From Trump on Key Issues

In a rare royal speech to the United States Congress on Tuesday, King Charles III celebrated the intertwined histories of the two nations but had pointed criticisms for some of President Donald Trump’s actions. 

Pausing for several standing ovations from both chambers of Congress, Charles said he came to the U.S. to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of when the American colonies declared their independence from the U.K. and emphasized that the history between the two people across the Atlantic dates back four centuries. 

“I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America,” Charles noted. 

Speaking in a pin stripe suit and light blue tie before both chambers of Congress, Charles said the “special” relationship between the two countries “is at its heart a story of reconciliation, renewal, and remarkable partnership."

“From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history,” he added, focusing on the strength and durability of the alliance that has come under great strain since the start of the Iran war.

But amidst expressing the U.K.'s "highest regard and friendship" with the U.S. he also reminded Washington of its influence and illustrated areas where the two nations may not be in alignment. 

"America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence," he said. "The actions of this great nation matter even more."

Charles defended the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]—and its promise of mutual defense. He pointedly mentioned the limits on executive power enshrined in British and American legal traditions that go back to the signing of the Magna Carta in 13th Century England.

The King also called for an “unyielding resolve” for the defense of Ukraine and, honing in on his life-long passion for conservationism, urged the U.K. and U.S.  to work together on a “shared responsibility to safeguard nature.” 

Here’s what Charles said on those key issues—and how his viewpoints split from Trump.

Importance of NATO

After the terror attacks against the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.K. and the NATO alliance came to the defense of the U.S. and deployed with American forces in Afghanistan, where the attacks were planned. 

It is the only time that mutual defence agreement enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty has been invoked. 

“Your pain and shock were felt around the whole world,” Charles said. “We answered the call together—as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder.”

Charles plans to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Wednesday, to pay his respects to those who died.

The trans-Atlantic alliance between the U.S. and U.K. is a critical part of that, Charles said. 

“That partnership is more important today than it has ever been,” he added.

Limits on executive power

Charles pointed out the ideals of America’s founding were based in the tradition of English law, including “the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances,” a concept that dates back to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 in Runnymede, England, to quell a revolt over the capricious and tyrannical actions of King John. 

The Magna Carta has been cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, Charles said.

His remarks, which earned a round of applause from Congress,  come during a term when Trump has expanded the use of executive power to deploy the military and Border Patrol agents into U.S. cities, ignored Congress’ Constitutional role in federal spending, and used investigations to target political enemies. 

Defending Ukraine

Since President Trump returned to office last year, he and Republicans have shown increasing frustration with the cost of helping fund Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. 

Charles, who welcomed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to Buckingham Palace in March, has been a supporter of Ukraine’s defiance against Russian expansion. 

The King used his speech to encourage Congressional Republicans to extend U.S. support for Ukraine’s armed forces. 

Charles invoked how the world came to the U.S. defense after 9/11, and addressing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson who was standing behind him, said: “Today, Mr. Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people.”