King Charles urges US, UK to ‘rededicate’ to shared values in address to Congress

King Charles III called for the U.S. and the U.K. to "rededicate" themselves to each other and to the defense of shared democratic values during an April 28 address to Congress that touched on Ukraine, NATO, the 9/11 anniversary, and the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The king became only the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress and framed the address around the 250th anniversary of American independence, invoking centuries of shared legal and democratic tradition and values and pressing the case for continued partnership in what he called "times of great uncertainty."

"The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone," he said.

He spoke of what he described as the shared values of both nations, saying the Christian faith is “a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally, but together as members of our community.” 

He also directly addressed the shooting that disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 26, two days before his address.

"Such acts of violence will never succeed," he said. "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."

On Ukraine, King Charles said the “same, unyielding resolve" that brought the U.S. and U.K. together after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York "is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people — in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace."

King Charles also cited language from President Donald Trump, who said during a state visit to Britain last autumn that "the bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable."

Quoting his prime minister, King Charles said, "Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last eighty years. Instead, we must build on it."

The king noted it was his 20th visit to the United States, and his first as king and head of the Commonwealth. He described himself as "the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America," and drew a historical line from the Magna Carta through the U.S. Bill of Rights, noting the Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that the Magna Carta has been cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789.

He ended his speech by saying “God bless the United States and God bless the United Kingdom.” 

Following the address, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the king and Queen Camilla at a White House state dinner. The royals are scheduled to travel to New York, as well as to Virginia, before their state visit to the United States concludes.