King Charles promotes US-UK unity in speech to Congress amid Iran tensions
New Delhi: King Charles III addressed the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, emphasizing that the U.K. and the U.S. remain strong allies committed to defending democracy, despite current global tensions and differences over issues such as the conflict in Europe and the Middle East.
“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 U.S. lawmakers during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, and after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.
Although Buckingham Palace had indicated the speech would avoid politics, the King referenced key global issues, including President Trump’s criticism of NATO, highlighted the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the risks of isolationism, and the need to protect the environment—an issue he has long championed.
Trump has recently voiced frustration over Nato and European allies reluctance to support U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran and has been uncertain about continued U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Charles also reflected on shared history, citing cooperation following the September 11 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 defense of Ukraine, and her most courageous people.”
Later, during a state banquet at the White House, Trump stated that Charles agreed Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons—though the King did not publicly comment on that claim.
“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.”
In his own remarks, Charles avoided discussing Iran or the Iran war. The king is not a spokesman for the U.K. government.
Neither Downing Street nor Buckingham Palace immediately responded to questions regarding Trump’s comments about Iran.
Earlier, while addressing the Congress, King Charles appeared to allude to “America First” agenda, associated with Donald Trump. He added, “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 became only the second British monarch to address the U.S. Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II, who did so in 1991.
During his visit, Charles also met with leading figures from the technology sector to discuss innovation and startup challenges.
Attendees included Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Tim Cook of Apple, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Lisa Su of Advanced Micro Devices, Marc Benioff of Salesforce, and Ruth Porat of Alphabet Inc.
Trump a Critic of British PM
Charles delivered his address on the second day of a four-day state visit to the U.S. at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations. The strain follows repeated criticism by Donald Trump of U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whom he accuses of offering insufficient support in the war involving Iran.
As a British monarch, Charles’ speech was prepared with guidance from the Government of the United Kingdom. However, his emphasis on environmental protection reflected a long-standing personal commitment to promoting harmony between human activity and nature.
“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” the king said, to more muted applause on the Republican side of the aisle, many of whom are climate change skeptics.
The White House shared an image of Trump and Charles on social media with the caption “TWO KINGS” a post that drew attention amid ongoing political debates. Trump and his allies have pushed back against “No Kings” protests, insisting he does not seek monarchical power and accusing critics of escalating tensions.
During a ceremonial reception at the White House, Trump highlighted the evolution of U.S.-UK relations, noting how the two countries have grown from adversaries during the War of Independence into close allies.
After seeing the King and Queen Camilla off at the White House, 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 ongoing disagreements over the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, reports also indicated that an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could reassess its support for Britain’s claim over the Falkland Islands, adding another layer of complexity to the bilateral relationship.
Epstein Saga Looms
One topic that Charles has sought to avoid on this visit is the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, continues to face scrutiny over his association with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His public reputation and royal standing have been severely damaged, and he is reportedly under police inquiry regarding his connections, though he has denied any wrongdoing.
Royal sources stated that it was not feasible for the King and Queen Camilla to meet alleged victims of Epstein during the tour, despite requests, in order to avoid interfering with potential legal proceedings.
Ro Khanna, representative and co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, said the King declined his invitation to meet with survivors. Khanna had hosted a roundtable discussion on Tuesday with survivors of Epstein, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.
“I thought the king owed that to the survivors, given his brother’s serious allegations of abuse … He unfortunately declined that request,” Khanna said.
(DD News)
