King Charles' Historic Address to U.S. Congress: Unity, Democracy, and Shared Values
King Charles of the United Kingdom made history by becoming only the second British monarch to address the United States Congress, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. During his state visit to the U.S. with Queen Camilla, the King spoke about the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting and emphasized the importance of unity and democracy in the face of violence and discord. He highlighted the shared values and commitment to protecting all people from harm, regardless of differences or disagreements.
As the U.S. celebrates 250 years of independence, King Charles, a descendant of King George III, joked about not repeating history and assured that his visit was not part of any strategic action. He praised the Founding Fathers for their revolutionary ideas that led to the formation of the nation based on the principles of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' The King acknowledged the challenges faced in the current volatile and dangerous era, emphasizing the need for continued partnership and collaboration to address global issues.
Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth's previous address to Congress in 1991, King Charles underscored the enduring spirit of democracy that binds the U.S. and the U.K. He emphasized the importance of building on past achievements and maintaining the alliance to defend shared values and promote global cooperation. The King concluded his speech by reaffirming the strong partnership between the two countries and expressing hope for continued collaboration in the service of their peoples and the world.
During their visit to the U.S., King Charles and Queen Camilla will participate in various engagements, including a state dinner at the White House, events in New York City honoring 9/11 victims, and interactions with local communities in Virginia. They will also attend celebrations for America's 250th birthday, showcasing the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. After concluding their trip, King Charles will embark on his first overseas visit as monarch to Bermuda, further strengthening ties with British territories.