King Charles III calls for unity in historic address of U.S. Congress

His Majesty King Charles III made history on Tuesday as the second British monarch to address a joint session of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, during his first trip to the United States as king. Charles emphasized unity throughout the address and specifically referenced the United States’ historic connections to the United Kingdom.

Charles received his first standing ovation within minutes of starting, after referencing the semiquincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence. The king characterized the U.S.-U.K. relationship as unique, and highlighted what he described as the enduring similarities between the two countries—namely, influence from the British Enlightenment, along with ideals from English law and the Magna Carta. The king received applause from both sides of the aisle after noting how the principle of checks and balances originated in the Magna Carta.

Charles acknowledged the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting over the weekend and emphasized the need to uphold democracy despite partisan divisions. The world is more volatile and dangerous since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, addressed Congress in 1991, and the challenges are too great for any one nation to face alone, he said. On the subject of American-British cooperation, the king also called for the unyielding resolve needed for the defense of Ukraine.

How did Republicans and Democrats react? Despite Charles’ repeated push for unity, the partisan divide remained clear. The king referred to Christianity as an anchor, triggering a standing ovation from Republicans, contrasted with a more muted response from Democrats. Conversely, Democrats led a separate standing ovation when Charles stated the importance of interfaith relationships and greater understanding for others.

Charles also discussed the importance of environmental conservation, a long-time passion and pet project for the king. The current generation must decide how to address the collapse of essential natural systems, which function as the cornerstone to British and American prosperity and security, he said. The king concluded with a call for American and British citizens to recommit themselves to selfless service for others across the world.