King Charles III Delivers Speech to U.S. Congress, Urging America to Uphold Western Alliance Ties

On Tuesday, April 28, King Charles III of the United Kingdom made a rare address before the U.S. Congress, calling on America to continue maintaining its traditional relationships with Western allies. Amid rising international tensions sparked by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, the Anglo-American "special relationship" is facing renewed scrutiny.

According to AFP, during his speech to members of Congress, King Charles III stated that the alliance between Britain and the United States "cannot rely solely on past achievements." Having been warmly received by President Trump at the White House earlier, the King emphasized that "we now face enormous challenges, and no single nation can confront them alone," urging both nations to defend shared values and resist growing calls for isolationism. His remarks were widely interpreted as a subtle critique of President Trump—though Trump himself did not attend the congressional speech, Vice President Vance and several high-ranking American officials were present in the audience.

When discussing the importance of checks and balances, King Charles III received enthusiastic applause from Democratic lawmakers—an apparent allusion to Trump’s governing style.

Charles III became the second British monarch to speak before the U.S. Congress, following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered a speech there in 1991.

He urged U.S. lawmakers to demonstrate "unwavering resolve" in supporting Ukraine. European leaders have expressed widespread concern that since President Trump returned to the White House, Washington has appeared to scale back its military and diplomatic support for Kyiv and its resistance to Russia.

After receiving a standing ovation, King Charles III first condemned political violence. Referring to the shooting incident at a media dinner attended by Trump last Saturday, he said such acts aim to "further instill fear and division"—but "will never succeed." The monarch, long an advocate for environmental causes, also called for stronger measures to protect the environment during his address.

Grand Welcome at the White House Highlights Symbolic Significance

That morning, President Trump greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla with full honors at the White House: a marching guard, military band performance, a 21-gun salute, and flyovers by fighter jets. Trump declared that since American independence, "there has been no friend closer than Britain," and expressed hope that this “special relationship” would endure.

Subsequently, Trump held a private meeting with King Charles III in the Oval Office. Afterward, Trump told reporters: "The talks went very smoothly. He’s an extraordinary man."

The "Special Relationship" Under Scrutiny Once Again

During this state visit, comments made by British Ambassador to the U.S., Christian Turner, also drew attention. According to revelations by the Financial Times, Turner told a group of British students in February that Israel—not Britain—is the true recipient of a genuine "special relationship" with the United States.

At a state banquet at the White House that evening, the 77-year-old King Charles III delivered another brief speech. On Wednesday, the royal party will travel to New York to visit the 9/11 memorial site, before departing Thursday for Bermuda, a British overseas territory located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863753845521412/

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