King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. This visit is part of his four-day state visit to the United States.
Charles expressed gratitude to the American people for their warm welcome. He emphasized the special relationship between the U.K. and U.S., highlighting shared values and economic ties.
The speech referenced historical ties between the two nations, including the significance of the 9/11 attacks and NATO’s response. He called for a united commitment to defend Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.
In his address, Charles noted the importance of interfaith relationships and compassion in fostering strong communities. He stated, “We stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm.”
Charles is the second British monarch to address Congress after Queen Elizabeth II. His remarks underscored a mutual dedication to democracy and the rule of law.
Key statistics:
- The annual trade between the U.K. and U.S. is approximately $430 billion.
- Mutual investment between these countries totals around $1.7 trillion.
- Over 2,300 scholarships have been awarded through the Marshall Scholarship program.
He concluded by stressing that their alliance cannot rest on past achievements alone: “Our alliance cannot rest on past achievements or assume that foundational principles simply endure.” This statement reinforces a commitment to future collaboration.