UK and US have disagreed at times but found ways to come together, King to say
While the UK and US have not always agreed on everything, the nations’ shared traditions mean that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together”, the King is set to tell Congress.
The monarch’s remarks in a speech to both houses on Tuesday will be seen as a tacit acknowledgement of recent transatlantic strains over the Iran war, which have put Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at loggerheads.
Charles is also expected to make brief reference to the gun attack at a Washington dinner attended by the US president on Saturday night and in a show of solidarity and support offer “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
It is only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being the late Queen Elizabeth in 1991.
It comes as the royal couple continued their four-day state visit to the US, where they will also be guests of honour at a White House banquet.
In a nod to recent tensions, which have seen Mr Trump lambast Britain, Charles will reflect that while the UK and US have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, the foundations of their “democratic, legal and social traditions” – stretching all the way back to the Magna Carta – are such that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together”.
He is also set to point out how the US and UK have stood together through moments that have defined their shared history and that “our defence, intelligence and security ties are measured not in years but in decades”.
Against the backdrop of global uncertainty and the challenge it poses, the King is also expected to say that by defending and reaffirming these common values and ideals, both nations can promote security and prosperity both now and in the future for the benefit of the world.
And talking about his own faith, he will express his belief that in the hearts of the two countries lies “a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none”.
Charles is also set to reference the importance of the trade and technology deals that will play a vital part in the countries’ continued economic partnership, while also hailing America’s many natural wonders, and stressing how important it is to defend and protect “nature’s own economy”.
He is expected to conclude by noting that the story of both nations over the last 250 years is one of “reconciliation and renewal”, giving rise to “one of the greatest alliances in human history”, which he hoped would continue to safeguard their shared values long into the future.
The speech, which is written on advice of the Government, is expected to last 20 minutes.
Published: by Radio NewsHub