(Alliance News) – The UK’s King Charles III urged the US on Tuesday to stand firm with its Western allies, as the problems in Iran and Ukraine threaten to destroy the transatlantic relationship that is facing the toughest test in years.
In a rare speech to the summit, the king brushed aside the rift between President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, insisting that the relationship between the two countries “is born of conflict, but it is not that strong.”
The speech was warmly received, as he covered topics ranging from climate change and the need to curb presidential impeachment to the importance of Nato and protecting Ukraine – sensitive issues for those on the Republican side of the aisle.
“The challenges we face are too great for one country to bear alone,” said Charles, warning that global challenges require close cooperation between the US and its traditional allies.
Speaking to lawmakers during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, Charles stressed that “unwavering resolve” is needed to achieve a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, which has been fighting an all-out Russian invasion since 2022.
Earlier, Trump praised Britain as a close ally of the United States as he welcomed Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House for a four-day visit.
Speaking after an overflow reception on the South Lawn that included a 21-gun salute, Trump struck a warmer tone than in Starmer’s recent criticism.
“In the centuries since our independence, the American people have had no closer friends than the British,” Trump said, praising the two countries’ “special relationship” and military cooperation.
A cannon sounded as a military band played the British and US national anthems, before Charles shook hands with senior Trump administration officials and inspected soldiers on the lawn with the president.
Afterwards, four US jets thundered over the White House in a noisy flypast as Trump, Charles, Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump looked on.
The visit comes at a critical time, with Trump criticizing Britain for its stance on Iran and other policies.
Despite the tension, the US president cracked jokes, joking that his Scottish-born mother “loves Charles” in interviews from the Oval Office.
“He’s a wonderful person. They’re wonderful people and it’s a real honor,” Trump told reporters after the meeting, which took place behind closed doors.
The monarch’s speech to Congress – the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 – was the highlight of the visit.
Charles pointed to shared democratic traditions, describing Congress as a “citadel of democracy” and emphasizing the common legal roots of the two nations.
He noted that Magna Carta has been cited in more than 160 cases in the US Supreme Court, highlighting — to the applause of the opposition Democrats — the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.
The king also emphasized the deep defense and economic ties, saying that security, technology and trade cooperation remain at the heart of the alliance.
“Our defense, intelligence and security relations are tightly integrated,” he said.
Security was tight during the visit following a suspected assassination attempt on Trump during a weekend news conference in Washington.
“Such acts of violence will never succeed,” said Charles.
The royal couple will attend a state dinner later on Tuesday, in what will be a visit mixed with a serious relationship.
By Danny Kemp and Frankie Taggart
source: AFP
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