King Charles III’s charming speech wows Congress, unites lawmakers in historic visit

King Charles III won over the U.S. Congress with a masterful speech on Tuesday. According to reports, he drew cheers and a minute of applause. The British monarch aimed his words at lawmakers, bypassing President Donald Trump, as reported by The Guardian.

The address marked the first by a British king, the same report confirmed. It came nearly 250 years after America's independence from George III. Charles mixed humor with nods to Oscar Wilde, Henry Kissinger, and Abraham Lincoln.

Trump mused at the White House. "They might be absolutely shocked, but probably only for a moment. Surely they would be delighted that the wounds of war healed into the most cherished friendship," he said, The Guardian noted.

Unity Amid Strains

The king's trip celebrated America's 250th anniversary and the special relationship. Yet U.S.-U.K. ties face strain over Britain's reluctance to fully back the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, according to BBC.

Charles spoke of "reconciliation and renewal" between the nations, BBC confirmed. He acknowledged "times of great uncertainty," citing Middle East and European conflicts. "With the spirit of 1776 in our minds, we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree," he said, as reported by the BBC.

He praised checks and balances from the Magna Carta, a U.S. Constitution bedrock. According to the BBC, cheers began on the Democratic side, then spread. The line drew a standing ovation.

Charles highlighted NATO's defense pact. Quoting Kissinger, he noted its mobilization after 9/11, BBC says. As a former Royal Navy officer, he touted security and intelligence ties.

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He touched on climate change as well. "From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO," he said, as reported by the BBC.

"America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more," Charles added, according to the BBC. Democrats muttered agreement and concern.

No hot topics like Iran, Israel, or immigration passed his lips. He avoided Jeffrey Epstein entirely, despite speculation. Rep. Ro Khanna had urged a nod to survivors, per search reports. Rep. Pramila Jayapal attended a survivor roundtable as the king visited.

The charm offensive eased tensions. Common bonds outlast politics, Charles implied, The Guardian added. The royal visit reinforced Anglo-American bonds.