King Charles III Addresses Congress on U.S. Anniversary
King Charles III marked the 250th anniversary of the United States with a unique address to Congress on Tuesday. During his speech, the king made light of the historical ties between the U.S. and Britain, emphasizing their enduring relationship. This occasion was particularly notable, as it was the first time a British monarch had spoken to Parliament since 1991, when Queen Elizabeth II did so.
“Our destinies as a nation have always been intertwined. As Oscar Wilde once quipped, ‘Today we have almost everything in common with America except language,'” the king remarked with a chuckle.
He described the U.S. as a vital symbol of democracy, underlining how both nations share core values.
Charles took a moment to reflect on the American Revolution, referring to it as “The Story of Two Georges.” He mentioned the significance of Washington, the first U.S. president, and his own ancestor, King George III, highlighting that the king never visited America. He assured listeners that he was not there to undermine anything, but rather to acknowledge the bold spirit of the Founding Fathers.
“Washington and my ancestor symbolize a period in our intertwined history,” he said. “As Dickens might say, it’s a tale of two Georges. The Founding Fathers were indeed rebels with a cause.”
Looking back at the last two and a half centuries, the king noted the evolution of the relationship between the U.S. and Britain, emphasizing how it transformed from contentious beginnings into a strong partnership.
“At the heart of our story is one of reconciliation, regeneration, and an exceptional alliance,” Charles asserted. “From bitter divisions, we’ve crafted friendships that have matured into one of the most significant alliances ever. I genuinely hope this collaboration continues to reflect the values we cherish with our European partners, the Commonwealth, and across the globe.”
The king’s speech came amid tensions involving President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the Iran war. Starmer has taken a neutral stance, which Trump criticized, expressing dissatisfaction over Britain’s perceived lack of support.
Trump also mentioned that Starmer could maintain his political viability only by adjusting immigration policies and utilizing North Sea resources. “If he doesn’t, he doesn’t stand a chance,” Trump asserted.
In a response reported by the BBC, Starmer countered that his actions were in the best interest of the British populace.
In February 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance took Starmer to task for what he called a breach of free speech in Britain. Following summer riots in 2024, Starmer promised the expansion of facial recognition technology to address protest-related violence, warning social media firms about handling misinformation. The UK subsequently introduced regulations defining hate speech and harmful content in digital communication.
After a visit to the UK in May 2025, the late Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA described the country in harsh terms, expressing disappointment in its current state compared to its historical significance. “It’s tragic. I’m not saying this lightly. It’s disheartening,” he reflected.
