King Charles began his historic speech by thanking the American people for the warm welcome, along with Queen Camilla, saying that for 250 years the United States and the United Kingdom have been closely linked.
He then quoted Oscar Wilde with a touch of dry humor: “We really have everything in common with America these days, except, of course, the language!”
The king acknowledged a period of “great uncertainty” facing both nations, referring to recent violence in Washington as a sobering reminder of the fragility of public life.
With constant emphasis, he declared that such actions “will never succeed,” stressing that despite differences, both countries remain aligned to protect citizens and honor those who serve.
Charles echoed Donald Trump’s own words: “The bond of kinship and identity between America and Britain is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
In a more personal reflection, the monarch recalled his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who, addressing the House in 1991, said he was honored to carry on that legacy and bring “the highest respect and friendship of the British people” to the States.
He joked that when he addresses the British Parliament, “an ancient tradition” still involves taking a member of Parliament “hostage” in Buckingham Palace until the monarch is safely returned.
Everyone started laughing. He continued in the same tongue-in-cheek vein, adding that guests in modern times are “looked after pretty well” — often to the point that they “don’t want to leave.”
He turned to the speaker and said, “I don’t know, Mr. Speaker, if there were any volunteers for that role today,” prompting further laughter from assembled lawmakers.
