King Charles III delivered a high-stakes address to a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday, highlighting the ancestral legal links between the United Kingdom and the United States during a visit marked by both diplomatic triumph and lingering controversy.
- King Charles highlighted the Magna Carta as a foundational influence on the U.S. principle of checks and balances.
- The visit coincided with leaked remarks from Britain’s ambassador questioning the nature of the “special relationship” between the two nations.
- Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking ring gathered at the Capitol to criticize the King’s opaque acknowledgment of abuse victims.
Historical Ties and Constitutional Roots
During the King Charles III Congress speech, the monarch provided a history lesson on the shared principles of the two nations. He noted that the Declaration of Rights of 1689 served as a source for many principles found in the American Bill of Rights of 1791.
Charles specifically cited the Magna Carta, stating that the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has found it cited in at least 160 cases since 1789. He emphasized its role as the foundation for the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.
These remarks drew strong reactions from the chamber, including whoops of approval from Democrats and laughter from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Diplomatic Tensions and the ‘Special Relationship’
The event took place amid a backdrop of tension, including public insults from President Donald Trump toward British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The atmosphere was further complicated by leaked recordings of Britain’s ambassador to the U.S., Christian Turner.
Turner described the concept of the “special relationship” as “nostalgic” and “backwards-looking,” suggesting instead that Israel is likely the only country with a truly special relationship with the United States.
In his speech, the King quoted Prime Minister Starmer’s description of the bond between the two countries as “an indispensable partnership,” urging that the nations build upon the sustains of the last 80 years.
Controversy Surrounding Jeffrey Epstein Survivors
The visit was overshadowed by protests from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire financier who was friends with both President Trump and King Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew. Survivors gathered at the Capitol to call for a stronger message of support from the monarchy.
Sky Roberts, brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, stated that the King should have used the moment to stand with survivors. Giuffre previously reached a $23 million settlement with Prince Andrew over allegations of sexual abuse as a minor, allegations the former prince denied.
While Ambassador Turner had suggested the King might address the survivors, Charles’ remarks regarding “victims of some of the ills that so tragically exist in both of our societies today” were described as carefully opaque.
International Resolve and White House Reception
King Charles called for “unyielding resolve” in the defense of Ukraine, a statement that drew a thunderous ovation from the Democratic side of the room. He also reminded the chamber that NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time following the 9/11 attacks.
In a closing passage addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, the King noted that “America’s words carry weight and meaning.”
Following the address, the King and Queen Camilla attended a white-tie-and-tails gala dinner at the White House. President Trump, who posted a photo of himself and the King with the caption “Two Kings,” told cameras that Charles made a “great speech” and added, “I was very jealous.”
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