King Charles III on Tuesday urged the United States and United Kingdom to work together on climate change and securing peace in Europe, telling Congress that global threats demand a unified response.
Addressing a joint meeting of lawmakers, the British monarch pointed to environmental risks and geopolitical instability, saying, “we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.” He warned of “the collapse of critical natural systems" that "provide the foundation for our prosperity and our national security.”
On the war in Ukraine, Charles said, “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,” framing the conflict as part of broader global challenges.
The king also referenced the recent security incident near the White House, stating, “such acts of violence will never succeed,” adding, “we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm.”
Throughout the address, Charles emphasized the long-standing alliance between the US and UK, saying, “our destinies as nations have been interlinked” and describing the relationship as “a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it.” He added that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
A notable moment came when Charles referenced the historical roots of American democracy, including the influence of Magna Carta and the principle that executive authority is subject to limits. Citing its role as “the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances,” the line drew a standing ovation and extended applause from lawmakers in the chamber.
Charles said the alliance remains essential in a volatile world, calling it “truly unique” and grounded in shared values. “We can perhaps agree that we do not always agree,” he said, while noting both nations are “instinctively like-minded.”
On defense cooperation, he said, “our defense, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades,” pointing to NATO commitments and joint military efforts that “build greater shared resilience for the future.”
He also highlighted economic ties, citing “$430 billion in annual trade” and “$1.7 trillion in mutual investment,” as well as collaboration in emerging technologies such as “A.I. and drug discovery.”
Placing the relationship in historical context, Charles said, “from the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential Alliances in human history.”
He urged both nations to avoid isolation, saying he hoped they would “ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking,” and called for renewed cooperation: “we must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last eighty years. Instead, we must build on it.”
Closing his remarks, the king told lawmakers, “let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.”
Addressing a joint meeting of lawmakers, the British monarch pointed to environmental risks and geopolitical instability, saying, “we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.” He warned of “the collapse of critical natural systems" that "provide the foundation for our prosperity and our national security.”
On the war in Ukraine, Charles said, “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,” framing the conflict as part of broader global challenges.
The king also referenced the recent security incident near the White House, stating, “such acts of violence will never succeed,” adding, “we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm.”
Throughout the address, Charles emphasized the long-standing alliance between the US and UK, saying, “our destinies as nations have been interlinked” and describing the relationship as “a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it.” He added that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
A notable moment came when Charles referenced the historical roots of American democracy, including the influence of Magna Carta and the principle that executive authority is subject to limits. Citing its role as “the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances,” the line drew a standing ovation and extended applause from lawmakers in the chamber.
Charles said the alliance remains essential in a volatile world, calling it “truly unique” and grounded in shared values. “We can perhaps agree that we do not always agree,” he said, while noting both nations are “instinctively like-minded.”
On defense cooperation, he said, “our defense, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades,” pointing to NATO commitments and joint military efforts that “build greater shared resilience for the future.”
He also highlighted economic ties, citing “$430 billion in annual trade” and “$1.7 trillion in mutual investment,” as well as collaboration in emerging technologies such as “A.I. and drug discovery.”
Placing the relationship in historical context, Charles said, “from the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential Alliances in human history.”
He urged both nations to avoid isolation, saying he hoped they would “ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking,” and called for renewed cooperation: “we must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last eighty years. Instead, we must build on it.”
Closing his remarks, the king told lawmakers, “let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.”
