Washington, United States. King Charles told the U.S. Congress on Tuesday that the United Kingdom and the United States would remain staunch allies in defending democracy despite uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East. His remarks came as the two allies face deep divisions over the war with Iran.
Address to a joint meeting of Congress
Charles spoke to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, entering with Queen Camilla to a prolonged standing ovation. He told lawmakers that despite differences and disagreements, the two countries stood united in commitments to uphold democracy, protect people from harm, and honor those who risk their lives in service.
References to NATO, Ukraine, and isolationism
In a speech Buckingham Palace said beforehand would not be political, Charles made references to President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO, highlighted the importance of continued U.S. help for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and warned of the dangers of isolationism. He also called for safeguarding nature, an issue he has emphasized for most of his life.
Trump has been highly critical of NATO and European allies, most recently over their reluctance to provide military help in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Trump has also been ambivalent about prolonged U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Appeal to shared history and support for Ukraine
Charles referred to the September 11, 2001, attacks and said the two countries had answered the call together for more than a century, including through two world wars, the Cold War, and Afghanistan. He said the same resolve was needed for the defense of Ukraine and its people.
State banquet remarks and Iran comments
Later, at a state banquet at the White House, Trump said Charles did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, a statement the king did not comment on. Trump said the United States was doing “a little Middle East work,” and added that the United States had militarily defeated an opponent and would never let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.
In his remarks after Trump spoke, Charles did not address Iran or the war. The king is not a spokesman for the U.K. government. Downing Street and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to questions about Trump’s comments.
Call to uphold shared values with partners
In his earlier comments to Congress, in what appeared to be a reference to Trump’s “America First” agenda, Charles said he prayed the countries would continue to defend shared values with partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that they would ignore calls to become more inward-looking.
How do you see the UK and U.S. balancing their alliance commitments with disagreements over the war with Iran?