King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress for the First Time in Nearly 35 Years

In a historic moment, King Charles III spoke before a joint session of the U.S. Congress, marking the first such address by a British monarch in almost 35 years. His visit comes amidst notable political strains, particularly regarding the conflict in Iran.

In his opening speech, Charles acknowledged the “ongoing conflicts from Europe to the Middle East,” calling them significant challenges for the international community. He spoke about the intertwined destinies of the U.S. and the U.K., emphasizing their strong bond, which he described as “irreplaceable and unbreakable.”

Charles sought to reassure members of Congress that his presence wasn’t part of any hidden agenda, praising the U.S. Founding Fathers as visionary figures and describing them as “bold and imaginative rebels.” He stressed the necessity of renewing the partnership between the two countries, especially in military matters.

The emphasis on renewal served as a clear nod to previous statements made by Donald Trump. Furthermore, he noted that NATO member nations are increasing their defense expenditures, with the U.K. planning its largest defense budget increase since the Cold War.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to allocating 2.5% of the GDP toward core defense by April 2027, and the country is set to spend around 2.3% of its GDP on defense in 2024. Future plans include discussion of raising this to 3%, although this would likely involve cuts to other spending, such as international aid.

The king drew attention to the military alliance’s value, likening its importance today to times past, such as during the Cold War and after 9/11. He pointed out that the expert commitment of the U.S. military and its allies is crucial to NATO’s foundation, highlighting Ukraine as a notable country in need of support.

In closing, Charles appeared to critique isolationism, expressing hope that the alliance would continue to uphold shared values with European partners and the Commonwealth, while resisting any calls to withdraw inward.

This occasion marked the first royal address to Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II spoke following the Gulf War, where she also reflected on the enduring friendship between Britain and the U.S. She expressed a desire to strengthen that foundation, sharing sentiments that even during challenging times, the bond between the two nations remains vital.