— In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time and the UN Security Council united in the face of terror, Together we answered the call – as our nations have done for over a century, side by side, through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan – he recalled.
The king warned against the temptation of isolationism. — I pray with all my heart that our Alliance will continue to uphold our shared values, together with partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and around the world, and so that we do not succumb to the temptation to focus more and more only on ourselves, he said.
Ukraine needs the same determination as in the past
The monarch called for support for Ukraine, saying that the same unwavering determination that united allies in the past is needed today to defend Ukraine and its citizens and ensure lasting peace.
Condemnation of the attack on Trump
Many fragments of the speech referred to Trump's criticism of alliances and Europe and the America First slogan. Charles III recalled the words of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing that although America's words are important, the actions of this great nation are even more important.
Magna Carta and the balance of power
The fragment about balancing executive power with other institutions caused thunderous applause, especially from Democrats. The king referred to the Magna Carta of 1215 and recalled that the United States Supreme Court Historical Society had counted its citation in at least 160 Supreme Court decisions since 1789.
King Charles III during his speech to the US CongressKylie Cooper / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP / PAP
Historic speech of Charles III
The monarch also touched on ecological issues that are close to his heart, warning that ignoring natural natural systems is at your own risk.
There was also humor in the speech. Charles III joked, quoting Oscar Wilde, that the British today “really have everything in common with America, except, of course, the language.” He acknowledged that the two countries don't always see eye to eye, citing the US Revolutionary War, and insisted that although King George III was his “five-times grandfather,” he himself did not come to America “as part of some cunning rearguard action.”
It was only the second such appearance by a British monarch in history. Earlier, King Charles III's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke before the US Congress.
