King Charles hails US-UK unity in speech to Congress amid Iran tensions

Britain’s King Charles told the US Congress on Tuesday ⁠that despite an age of uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, the ⁠UK and the US will always be staunch allies united in defending democracy, at a time of deep divisions between the two long-time allies over the war with Iran.

“Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” Charles told US lawmakers during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the US Senate and US House of Representatives, and after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.

Charles’ address came on the ‌second day of a four-day state visit to the US during a tense time in relations between the two countries, after US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for what Trump says is his lack of help in prosecuting the Iran war.

“I come here today with the highest respect for the United States Congress – this citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms,” Charles said.

Trump has said Starmer, who has won some plaudits at home for not joining the Iran offensive, was no Winston Churchill, while he belittled a later offer of military help to defend allies in the region.

Before his speech Charles met with top Republican and Democratic lawmakers after a morning visit to the White House with Camilla that included a closed-door meeting between the king and Trump.