Ovations in US Congress as King Charles Calls for Resolve on Ukraine
The British monarch called for “unyielding resolve” in support of Ukraine and stressed the importance of NATO and transatlantic unity during his historic address to Congress.
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King Charles III called for “unyielding resolve” in support of Ukraine during a historic address to a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday.
Speaking during a four-day state visit to the US, the British monarch said the world was facing deep uncertainty, from Europe to the Middle East, and that the challenges directly affected citizens across countries. It was only the second time a British monarch had addressed Congress, after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
“Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people, in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace,” Charles said, drawing a bipartisan standing ovation.
On Monday, Charles voiced support for Ukrainians at an event hosted by the British ambassador to the US.
The remarks came just days after Prince Harry visited Kyiv in a further show of support for Ukraine.
US-UK relations
The king’s visit comes at an unusual time of strain between the two nations and was seen as a potential make-or-break moment for relations.
King Charles emphasized the importance of the transatlantic partnership, describing the alliance between Britain and the US as unique and built over centuries. He said such unity was now “more important than ever.”
The King also referred to “my prime minister,” in what was seen as a gesture of support for Sir Keir Starmer after Trump repeatedly criticized him for not backing the US in the Iran war.
The State Department denied reports that Julie Davis is leaving over differences with Donald Trump, saying she will remain in Kyiv until June 2026 before retiring from diplomatic service.
He stressed NATO’s key role and pointed to Britain’s largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War.
King Charles also said the two countries’ shared commitment to the rule of law had helped create the foundations for economic prosperity, citing stable rules, independent courts and impartial justice.
The king’s visit is intended to mark historic ties between the two allies as the US celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.
State dinner and king’s jokes
At the state dinner, King Charles reiterated the importance of NATO and AUKUS in “deepening our technological and military cooperation.”
He said this was necessary “to ensure that, together, we can meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and contested world.”
The king also joked about the colonial past of the US, teasing Trump.
“Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” Charles said.
“Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French…!”
He quickly added that “of course, we both love our French cousins greatly.”
US lawmakers react
US lawmakers praised the king’s address after the speech, the BBC reported.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said the speech should serve as a “reminder” to Trump that “friends and allies matter.”
“It has been 35 years since a British monarch addressed the elected representatives of the American people – the world has changed dramatically, but in many ways, the same tests remain before us,” Schumer wrote on social media.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham called the speech a “terrific combo of wit, humor, history and appreciation,” saying it provided a morale boost.
“It was a bit odd that the unifying feeling had to come from the King of England… but so be it!” Graham wrote on X.
British officials reportedly sought to ensure that the king’s main meeting with Trump at the White House took place without cameras, amid concerns over a possible public confrontation.
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