Britain’s King Charles told the US Congress on Tuesday that despite an age of uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, the UK and the US will always be staunch allies united in defending democracy, at a time of deep divisions between the two long-time allies over the war with Iran.
“Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” Charles told US lawmakers during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.
Buckingham Palace said beforehand the speech would not be political, but Charles referenced President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO, stressed the importance of continued US help for Ukraine against Russia, warned against isolationism, and called for safeguarding nature, a longtime personal concern.
Trump has been highly critical of NATO and European allies, most recently over their reluctance to provide military help in the US-Israeli actions involving Iran, and has been ambivalent about prolonged US aid to Ukraine.
Charles recalled the response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, saying, “we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security today. Mr Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine, and her most courageous people.”
At a White House state banquet later, Trump said Charles did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, a remark the king did not address. “We’re doing a little Middle East work right now and we’re doing very well,” Trump said at the dinner. “We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever—Charles agrees with me even more than I do—we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.”
Charles, who is not a spokesman for the UK government, did not speak about Iran or the Iran war after Trump’s comments. Downing Street and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to questions about Trump’s remarks.
In what appeared to be a rebuke to Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, Charles added in Congress, “I pray with all my heart that our lands will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.” He was only the second British sovereign to address the US Congress; his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke to both houses in 1991.
Charles also met US tech leaders, discussing challenges for early-stage startups as the UK promotes itself as a destination for tech firms. Attendees included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Alphabet President Ruth Porat.
The speech came on the second day of a four-day state visit amid tense UK-US relations after Trump repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for what Trump says is insufficient UK support in the Iran conflict. As a British monarch, Charles’ speech was prepared on the advice of the UK government, though his appeal to safeguard nature reflected a near-lifelong personal passion. That line drew more muted applause from many Republicans, some of whom are climate skeptics.
The White House shared a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption “TWO KINGS.” Trump and allies have rejected “No Kings” protests against his administration, saying he is not a king and accusing critics of fanning angry rhetoric that has led to attempts on his life.
At a ceremonial reception, Trump emphasized the evolving friendship between Britons and Americans since the War of Independence. After escorting the king and queen to their limousine, Trump told reporters, “It was a really good meeting. He’s a fantastic person. They’re incredible people and it’s a real honor.”
Amid tensions over the US-Israeli offensive linked to Iran, an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
One topic Charles sought to avoid on the visit was the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. His brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose reputation and royal standing were damaged by links to the late US sex offender, is facing police inquiries; the former prince has denied wrongdoing. Royal sources said the royal couple could not meet Epstein victims during the tour, to avoid affecting potential criminal cases.
Representative Ro Khanna, co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act who held a roundtable with survivors and advocacy groups, said the king had declined his invitation to meet 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.
