King Charles III delivered remarks to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, calling for a renewed and strengthened alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom amid what he described as a more volatile and dangerous global landscape.
The speech, tied to a visit marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, framed the U.S.-U.K. relationship as centuries-old and rooted in shared democratic traditions despite its origins in conflict.
In his prepared remarks, Charles warned that instability spanning Europe to the Middle East poses challenges too great for any one nation to handle alone. He also referenced a recent violent incident near the Capitol, condemning political violence and stating that efforts to sow fear and division “will never succeed.”
The king emphasized that the transatlantic alliance remains “indispensable,” highlighting joint efforts that have shaped global security from World War II through the Cold War and into modern conflicts. Charles pointed to NATO as central to this partnership and called for sustained resolve in supporting Ukraine to secure a “just and lasting peace.”
Charles stated Britain is stepping up its role with plans for the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War, underscoring deep military ties with the United States. He highlighted joint defense initiatives including F-35 production and the AUKUS submarine partnership with Australia.
Beyond security, the king stressed economic interdependence, noting approximately $430 billion in annual trade and roughly $1.7 trillion in mutual investment supporting jobs and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic. He also called for deeper collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear fusion to drive future prosperity.
Charles argued that shared adherence to the rule of law and democratic governance has underpinned economic success and must remain central going forward. He urged both nations to resist isolationism, warning against becoming “ever more inward-looking” at a time when global cooperation is critical.
The king also highlighted faith and interfaith understanding as guiding principles, expressing hope they could help bridge divisions in turbulent times. The prepared text devoted significant attention to environmental challenges, warning that the degradation of natural systems threatens economic stability and national security.
Reflecting on history, Charles described the U.S.-U.K. relationship as a story of “reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership” that has evolved into one of the world’s most consequential alliances. He closed by urging both countries to rededicate themselves to shared values and action, invoking Abraham Lincoln’s warning that the world remembers what nations do more than what they say.
