King Charles began his historic speech by thanking the American people for the warmth of their welcome, alongside Queen Camilla, saying that for 250 years the United States and the United Kingdom have remained closely intertwined.
He then quoted Oscar Wilde with a touch of dry humor: “Today we have everything in common with the United States except, of course, the language!”
The King acknowledged a period of “great uncertainty” facing both nations, referencing the recent violence in Washington in a sober reminder of the fragility of public life.
With firm emphasis, he declared that such acts “will never succeed,” and emphasized that despite differences, both countries remain aligned in the protection of citizens and the honor of those who serve.
Charles echoed Donald Trump’s own words: “The bond of kinship and identity between the United States and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
In a more personal reflection, the monarch remembered his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who addressed the chamber in 1991, saying it was his honor to continue that legacy and bring “the highest respect and friendship of the British people” to the United States.
He joked that when addressing the UK Parliament, “an ancient tradition” still involves taking a member of Parliament “hostage” at Buckingham Palace until the monarch returns safely.
Everyone started laughing. He continued in the same ironic spirit, adding that in modern times guests are “pretty well looked after,” often to the point that “they don’t want to leave.”
Addressing the Speaker, he joked, “I don’t know, Mr. Speaker, if there were any volunteers for that role today,” prompting more laughter from the assembled lawmakers.
