The 77-year-old royal, accompanied by Queen Camilla, arrived in Washington, D.C. on Monday (27 April) for a four-day state visit. The trip includes meetings with Donald Trump and Melania Trump, and coincides with celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. It is also intended as a symbolic reaffirmation of the long-standing relationship between the UK and the US.
Their packed schedule has included afternoon tea at the British Embassy, a high-profile garden party, and a formal state banquet. Still, the King’s speech to Congress stood out as the most significant moment of the visit.
Subtle and Direct Messages in the Speech
According to Sky News’ US correspondent, the address contained both “subtle and not-so-subtle messaging.”
One key moment came when Charles reminded the US that NATO invoked Article 5—the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all—only once, following the September 11 attacks.
This reference carries weight given Trump’s previous criticism of NATO, including questioning its value and suggesting a reassessment of America’s involvement.
Charles said:
“In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together – as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security.
“Today, Mr Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace.”
Defence and Security Ties
The King went on to stress the importance of continued cooperation in defence and security.
He said:
“The United Kingdom recognises that the threats we face demand a transformation in British defence.
“That is why our country, in order to be fit for the future, has committed to the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.”
He added:
“Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.
“Today, thousands of US service personnel, defence officials and their families are stationed in the United Kingdom, as British personnel serve with equal pride across 30 American states.”