In a solemn and highly symbolic setting and after the official welcoming ceremony at the White House with the President of the United States Donald Trump, King Charles III today held a detailed speech before a joint session of the American Congress, on the occasion of the state visit to Washington and the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The British sovereign made a long speech to members of Congress, institutional leaders and representatives of the American people, defining the moment as “an occasion of extraordinary historical significance” and reiterating the depth of the bond between the United Kingdom and the United States. “For over four centuries our national destinies have been intertwined”, declared Charles III at the opening, expressing gratitude for the invitation and for the welcome given to him and the Queen. “Today I stand here on behalf of the British people to pay tribute to American democracy and the long friendship that unites our two nations.”
The historical roots: from Magna Carta to 1776
One of the central passages of the speech concerned the historical nature of the relationship between London and Washington, born from a fracture but evolved into one of the most solid alliances in modern history. Recalling the spirit of 1776, Charles III underlined how the birth of the United States represents both a break and a continuity with the British political and legal tradition: “Ours is a partnership born from dissent, but made stronger precisely by it. The principle ‘no taxation without representation’ was a profound divergence between us, but also the expression of a shared democratic value”. The King highlighted how both nations share common roots in constitutional law, parliamentary tradition and the principles of the rule of law, recalling the influence of the Magna Carta of 1215, the Glorious Revolution and the English Bill of Rights of 1689, up to their echo in the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights of 1791. “The Magna Carta continues to be cited in dozens of decisions of the United States Supreme Court,” he observed, underlining the depth of the shared legal matrix.
The international context: conflicts, tensions and political violence
Charles III then dedicated ample space to the international context, defining it as “an era of great instability and uncertainty”, marked by conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and by new threats to global security. In this context, the sovereign underlined the need for a common response between allies: “We meet in times of conflict and tension that test the international community and our societies”. The King also referred to recent episodes of political violence in the United States, strongly condemning them: “Such acts will never succeed. Whatever our differences, we remain united in defending democracy and protecting our citizens.” One of the strongest passages of the speech was dedicated to the strategic alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, defined as “indispensable” and “more important today than ever”.
NATO, Article 5 and military cooperation: from 9/11 to Aukus
Charles III recalled the central role of cooperation within NATO and in the main crisis theaters of recent decades, from Afghanistan to the world wars, up to the Cold War and the response to international terrorism after 9/11. “When NATO first invoked Article 5 after 9/11, we responded together,” he recalled, adding that “our armed forces, our intelligence services and our security structures are deeply integrated.” The sovereign also cited the industrial and military collaboration between the two countries, including joint programs such as the production of F-35 fighters and the AUKUS submarine project with the United States and Australia. Ample space was also dedicated to the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship. Charles III highlighted the value of trade between the two countries, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars a year, and the enormous volume of mutual investments.
430 billion exchanges and technological cooperation
“430 billion in annual trade and more than 1.7 trillion in mutual investments represent an extraordinary foundation for our common prosperity,” he said. The King also underlined the central role of technological and scientific cooperation, with particular reference to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, pharmaceutical research and energy innovation. “These partnerships have the potential to save countless lives and drive the next wave of global progress,” he said. In his speech, Charles III also recalled the role of academic and cultural cooperation, citing in particular the Marshall Scholarship program, which has allowed thousands of American students to study in the United Kingdom. The relations between the two countries, he observed, “are not only political or economic, but also profoundly human and cultural”, based on exchanges of ideas, training and shared values.
Climate, environment and the final call: “God bless USA and UK”
A significant passage was dedicated to environmental protection and the climate crisis, defined as a structural challenge for future security and prosperity. Charles III underlined how “natural systems constitute the very basis of our economies and our national security”, calling for joint action to preserve global natural heritage. In concluding his speech, the King recalled the value of shared responsibility between the two nations, especially in a delicate historical moment. “The history of the United Kingdom and the United States is one of reconciliation, renewal and extraordinary cooperation,” he said. “Since the division we have come to build one of the most significant alliances in human history.” Finally, an appeal not to turn in on ourselves but to strengthen global cooperation: “Our actions count more than our words. Let us renew our mutual commitment to the service of our peoples and the entire world”. The speech closed with a solemn wish: “God bless the United States of America and the United Kingdom.”