SPECIAL REPORT: King Charles delivers address to joint meeting of Congress

[0:00] Good afternoon, everyone. We're coming back on the air for an historic moment at the U.S. Capitol at this hour. [0:04] For only the second time in American history, a British monarch will address a joint meeting of Congress. [0:09] At any moment, King Charles, in his first state visit to the U.S. as king, will be welcomed into the chamber there. [0:16] He is in the U.S. to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country, of course, of American independence from Britain. [0:24] During this trip, the king, though, navigating between pageantry and diplomacy. [0:28] The king is expected to speak for about 20 minutes. [0:31] You see the Speaker of the House and the Vice President standing there at the dais. [0:35] They will welcome the king into the chamber. [0:38] It will feel much like a State of the Union. [0:40] They will say, Mr. Speaker, in so many words, the king is here. [0:45] You'll hear them say it for themselves. [0:48] His address will reference the shooting, of course, just a couple of days ago at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, [0:53] reacting to the news here at home, but also the news abroad. [0:56] The king will express his solidarity, support for President Trump and the U.S., [1:00] but his remarks have been carefully crafted by senior diplomats back home in the U.K. [1:05] He's expected to call the relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. one of the greatest alliances in human history. [1:12] The king, of course, also hoping to repair the strain right now on the relationship between the two allies, [1:18] which is being tested by the war in Iran. [1:21] President Trump repeatedly attacking the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, for not helping in the war. [1:27] That was started by the U.S. and Israel. [1:30] The president then reaching out to allies to help in the effort. [1:36] The U.K. pushing back. [1:38] King Charles today expected to deliver a message of reconciliation and renewal. [1:42] Congressional leaders invited the king to speak and to reaffirm the alliance, calling this a pivotal time in history. [1:50] The only other British monarch to address Congress, the king's mother, Queen Elizabeth II. [1:55] That was back in 1991. [1:56] And as we await the king's arrival here, look at these pictures from earlier today. [2:01] King Charles and Queen Camilla joined President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump for a welcoming celebration at the White House. [2:09] This was earlier today on the south portico of the White House. [2:14] In the chamber right now, Rachel Scott and Rachel. [2:17] And looking at these pictures, it feels an awful lot to me, like a State of the Union, [2:21] though there will be some royal pageantry as well, and a bipartisan escort through the chamber for the king. [2:29] David, it does feel quite a little bit like a State of the Union address. [2:33] In fact, one of my very first impressions being here in the chamber, [2:36] I've been in the chamber for several State of the Union addresses. [2:39] This one is quite more full than the last State of the Union address with President Trump. [2:43] You do have members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. [2:46] In fact, right now, I'm seeing Democrats and Republicans even having conversations here in the chamber. [2:52] The tone feels a little bit lighter in anticipation of the king's arrival and the king's address here in Washington, D.C. [2:59] Of course, there is tremendous security outside, given the events that happened in Washington on Saturday. [3:05] And you mentioned that the king is going to be greeted by Republicans and Democrats. [3:09] That's occurring right now, just outside of the House chamber. [3:13] They're doing a little bit of a photo op. [3:15] They are shaking hands. [3:16] They'll be escorting the king straight into this chamber until he can address Congress and also address the nation. [3:23] But, David, look, you mentioned that this comes at a very pivotal point in the United States' relationship with the U.K. [3:30] Earlier today, when the president was delivering his address at the White House, [3:34] he repeatedly emphasized the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. [3:38] He notably did not mention the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, [3:42] who he has repeatedly butted heads with over the war in Iran. [3:45] And the king will be addressing a deeply divided Congress, of course, [3:49] a Congress that is very split on the United States' involvement in Iran. [3:53] Of course, the president also making a few jokes about his mother's love for the royal family as well, [3:57] which the president clearly does share. [3:59] But the president really emphasizing that the United States and the U.K. share the same root, [4:04] they speak the same language, and they hold the same values. [4:07] We expect the king to really drive home that very similar message here today in just a few moments, David. [4:12] But, Rachel, we did also take note that the president stayed away from any comments on the British Prime Minister. [4:18] He certainly did, and that was very notable. [4:21] You know, President Trump is not really known for staying to the script, but he certainly did in that address. [4:26] He really wanted to stay away from the politics, emphasizing the relationship between the United States and the U.K., [4:34] repeatedly praising how strong it is, praising the alliance. [4:38] And I will tell you here on Capitol Hill, that really did go over well with members on both sides of the aisle here in Congress. [4:45] They want to hear that message. [4:47] People here want to hear this message of unity, especially at a time that we are dealing with not only the war in Iran, [4:54] but also the war between Russia and Ukraine. [4:57] And so that emphasis on unity is something that even some Republicans here on Capitol Hill [5:01] want to see the president and the Trump administration return to. [5:05] You know, in recent weeks, we have heard from President Trump really lash out at our NATO allies. [5:10] In his words, we're not doing more to help with the war with Iran, [5:14] those attacks that he launched in the Middle East. [5:16] And he has repeatedly gone after the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, [5:21] but the president's staying away from any of those attacks today, [5:24] really staying focused on this message of unity, [5:27] repeatedly praising the alliance and the shared values between the United States and the U.K. [5:33] And again, David, we are expecting to hear the king really drive home a very similar message [5:38] when he speaks to members on both sides of the aisle. [5:40] In just a few moments here, we are keenly awaiting his arrival. [5:44] Rachel Scott, who is in the chamber for us, a bipartisan chamber, [5:48] joint session of Congress set to listen to King Charles, [5:51] the first monarch since his mother, Queen Elizabeth, to address a joint session. [5:56] She did that back in 1991. [5:58] There was some humor. [5:59] We are expected to hear from the king about the alliance, the relationship. [6:04] He will also address the news as of late, [6:07] what this country witnessed on Saturday night at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. [6:11] In addition to the tests on the world stage, [6:15] you heard Rachel mention the war in Iran, [6:17] the tension between the U.S. and several NATO allies, including the U.K., [6:23] President Trump's repeated harsh words for the British prime minister, [6:26] though not for the king. [6:28] The president making it very clear that his love for the royal family [6:31] goes back to his own parents. [6:33] Justice Breyer there in the chamber there, as you can see. [6:37] And James Longman, our chief international correspondent, [6:41] live from the capital watching this play out as well. [6:44] And the king very aware of, he's here as a member of the royal family, [6:49] but he's also here to mend some fences, if he will. [6:53] He is, David. [6:54] But I think it's important to understand that the king has not come here independently. [7:00] He has not been writing his speech on the plane [7:02] and just imagining the kinds of things he would like to say to America. [7:06] This is a speech which has essentially been written by the British government. [7:10] And just take a look at the posture that the British government has taken [7:13] over the last few months. [7:14] Keir Starmer has taken a stand against Donald Trump [7:17] because it serves him politically in the United Kingdom. [7:19] Donald Trump is not a popular president in the U.K. [7:22] Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life at the moment. [7:25] And so he has taken a stand on Iran. [7:27] He has not wanted to get involved. [7:29] He has said that this is a war of choice. [7:31] He's been very strong on this particular issue. [7:33] And he's incurred President Trump's wrath for that. [7:37] I don't imagine that King Charles is going to come here [7:39] with necessarily a different message. [7:42] And I'm wondering just how far the king, [7:45] and remember every word that we hear today from King Charles [7:47] will be written by essentially the British government, [7:50] how far they are going to go [7:51] in order to kind of reassert these messages, [7:54] these fundamental principles. [7:55] That'll be interesting to watch. [7:57] David. [7:57] We are expected to hear at any moment [8:01] the House Sergeant-at-Arms, William McFarland, [8:03] who will announce His Majesty King Charles III [8:06] and Her Majesty Queen Camilla are here. [8:10] He'll address Mr. Speaker, as I've mentioned earlier, [8:14] much like we hear at a State of the Union [8:16] from the president once a year. [8:20] This time, though, of course, [8:21] it'll be the king and the queen entering that chamber. [8:24] We believe the doors have opened to the chamber, [8:27] and our first signal will be the gavel. [8:29] Mr. Speaker, Their Majesties King Charles III [8:39] and Queen Camilla. [8:40] Standing ovation for King Charles and for Queen Camilla. [8:54] Again, the first monarch to address a joint session of Congress, [8:57] as I've mentioned, in many decades now, [9:00] following in the footsteps of his mother, [9:02] Queen Elizabeth II. [9:05] Democrats and Republicans in that chamber. [9:10] Justice Breyer shaking hands there with the king. [9:12] The chiefs, members of the U.S. military, [9:22] welcoming the king, standing behind the king. [9:28] The vice president, J.D. Vance. [9:31] Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. [9:39] Queen Camilla at his side. [9:49] As James Longman points out, [9:52] this speech has been heavily worked on [9:54] by members of the British government. [9:55] He is here on their behalf. [9:57] He is a dignitary, not a politician, [10:02] but he will try to do some of the work [10:03] of keeping this relationship strong [10:06] amid tension over the war in Iran. [10:12] The Jeffrey Epstein case, [10:15] his own brother, of course, [10:18] pulled into that case. [10:19] The royal family press on whether or not [10:21] the king would meet with any victims while here. [10:26] The answer was no. [10:28] Not expected to address that today. [10:32] Though he will address the relationship, [10:34] the strength of it, [10:37] even amid the tension. [10:42] And he will also talk about [10:43] what we witnessed as a nation [10:45] and what the world saw play out Saturday evening [10:48] at that press dinner [10:50] when the president and the first lady [10:52] rushed off that stage. [11:00] King Charles, who made many visits to the rest. [11:02] Members of Congress, [11:03] I have the high privilege and distinct honor [11:05] of presenting to you [11:06] His Majesty Charles III. [11:08] Mr. Vice President, [11:45] Mr. Speaker, [11:46] members of Congress, [11:48] representatives of the American people [11:50] across all states, territories, cities, [11:54] and communities. [11:55] I would like, if I may, [11:58] to take this opportunity [12:00] to express my particular gratitude to you all [12:04] for the great honor of addressing [12:06] this joint meeting of Congress. [12:10] And on behalf of the Queen and myself, [12:12] to thank the American people [12:14] for welcoming us to the United States [12:18] to mark this semi-quincentennial year [12:21] of the Declaration of Independence. [12:24] And for all of that time, [12:56] all of that time, [12:58] our destinies as nations [13:00] have been interlinked. [13:02] As Oscar Wilde said, [13:04] we have really everything in common [13:07] with America nowadays, [13:09] except, of course, language. [13:15] So, ladies and gentlemen, [13:18] we meet in times of great uncertainty, [13:21] in times of conflict from Europe [13:23] to the Middle East, [13:26] which pose immense challenges [13:28] for the international community, [13:30] and whose impact is felt in communities [13:33] the length and breadth [13:35] of our own countries. [13:38] We meet, too, [13:39] in the aftermath of the incident [13:41] not far from this great building [13:43] that sought to harm [13:45] the leadership of your nation [13:46] and to foment wider fear and discord. [13:51] Let me say, with unshakable resolve, [13:56] such acts of violence will never succeed. [13:59] Our differences, [14:24] whatever disagreements we may have, [14:26] we stand united [14:28] in our commitment [14:29] to uphold democracy, [14:32] to protect all our people from harm, [14:35] and to salute the courage [14:37] of those who daily risk their lives [14:40] in the service of our countries. [14:44] Standing here today, [14:46] it is hard not to feel [14:48] the weight of history on my shoulder, [14:50] because the modern relationship [14:53] between our two nations [14:54] and our own peoples [14:56] spans not merely 250 years, [14:59] but over four centuries. [15:03] It is extraordinary to think [15:04] that I am the 19th [15:06] in our line of sovereigns [15:09] to study with daily attention [15:11] the affairs of America. [15:12] So I come here today [15:16] with the highest respect [15:18] for the United States Congress, [15:21] this citadel of democracy [15:23] created to represent the voice [15:25] of all American people [15:27] to advance sacred rights and freedoms. [15:32] Speaking in this renowned chamber [15:34] of debate and deliberation, [15:38] I cannot help but think [15:39] of my late mother, [15:40] Queen Elizabeth, [15:41] who in 1991 [15:43] was also afforded [15:45] this signal honour [15:47] and similarly spoke [15:48] under the watchful eye [15:50] of the statue of freedom above us. [15:54] Today, I am here [15:56] on this great occasion [15:57] in the life of our nations [15:59] to express the highest regard [16:02] and friendship [16:03] of the British people [16:05] to the people of the United States. [16:10] Now, as you may know, [16:11] when I address my own parliament [16:13] at Westminster, [16:14] we still follow [16:16] an age-old tradition [16:17] and take a member [16:18] of parliament hostage, [16:23] holding him or her [16:24] at Buckingham Palace [16:25] until I am safely returned. [16:32] These days, [16:33] we look after our guests [16:34] rather well [16:35] to the point [16:36] that they often [16:37] do not want to leave. [16:43] I don't know, [16:44] Mr Speaker, [16:45] if there were any volunteers [16:46] for that role here today. [16:52] As I look back [16:53] across the centuries, [16:55] Mr Speaker, [16:56] there emerged certain patterns, [16:58] certain self-evident truths [17:01] from which we can learn [17:02] and draw mutual strength. [17:05] With a spirit of 1776 [17:06] in our minds, [17:08] we can perhaps agree [17:10] that we do not always agree, [17:13] at least in the first instance. [17:16] Indeed, [17:16] the very principle [17:18] on which your Congress [17:19] was founded, [17:21] no taxation [17:21] without representation, [17:24] was at once [17:24] a fundamental disagreement [17:26] between us [17:27] and at the same time [17:28] a shared democratic value [17:30] which you inherited from us. [17:34] Ours is a partnership [17:35] born out of dispute [17:37] but no less strong for it. [17:41] So perhaps in this example, [17:44] we can discern [17:45] that our nations [17:45] are in fact [17:46] instinctively like-minded, [17:49] a product [17:50] of the common democratic, [17:52] legal [17:53] and social traditions [17:55] in which our governance [17:56] is rooted [17:57] to this day. [18:00] Drawing on these values [18:01] and traditions, [18:02] time and again, [18:04] our two countries [18:05] have always found ways [18:06] to come together. [18:08] And by Jove, [18:09] Mr Speaker, [18:10] when we have found [18:11] that way to agree, [18:13] what great change [18:14] is brought about? [18:15] Not just for the benefit [18:17] of our peoples, [18:18] but of all peoples. [18:22] This, I believe, [18:23] is the special ingredient [18:25] in our relationship. [18:27] As President Trump [18:28] himself observed [18:29] during his state visit [18:30] to Britain last autumn, [18:31] the bond of kinship [18:34] and identity [18:35] between America [18:36] and the United Kingdom [18:37] is priceless [18:38] and eternal. [18:40] It is irreplaceable [18:41] and unbreakable. [19:09] Mr Speaker, [19:09] this is by no means [19:11] my first visit [19:12] to Washington, D.C., [19:14] the capital [19:14] of this great republic. [19:17] It is in fact [19:18] my 20th visit [19:19] to the United States [19:20] and my first [19:22] as king [19:22] and head [19:23] of the Commonwealth. [19:25] This is a city [19:25] which symbolises [19:26] a period [19:27] in our shared history [19:29] or what Charles Dickens [19:31] might have called [19:32] a tale of two Georges. [19:34] The first president, [19:47] George Washington, [19:48] and my five times [19:50] great-grandfather, [19:51] King George III. [19:53] King George, [19:54] as you know, [19:54] never set foot [19:55] in America [19:56] and please rest assured, [20:00] ladies and gentlemen, [20:01] I am not here [20:01] as part of some [20:03] cunning rearguard action. [20:12] The founding fathers [20:13] were bold [20:14] and imaginative [20:16] rebels [20:16] with a cause. [20:17] 250 years ago [20:26] or, as we say [20:28] in the United Kingdom, [20:29] just the other day, [20:31] they declared independence [20:40] by balancing [20:42] contending forces [20:43] and drawing strength [20:45] into diversity. [20:47] They united [20:47] 13 disparate colonies [20:50] to forge a nation [20:52] on the revolutionary [20:53] idea of life, [20:55] liberty [20:55] and the pursuit [20:56] of happiness. [20:58] They carried with them [21:00] and carried forward [21:01] the great [21:02] inheritance [21:03] of the British Enlightenment [21:05] as well as [21:06] the ideals [21:07] which had [21:08] an even deeper history [21:09] in English common law [21:11] and Magna Carta. [21:22] These roots run deep [21:24] and they are still vital. [21:27] Our Declaration of Rights [21:29] of 1689 [21:30] was not only [21:31] the foundation [21:32] of our constitutional monarchy [21:34] but also provided [21:36] the source [21:36] of so many [21:37] of the principles [21:38] reiterated, [21:40] often verbatim, [21:41] in the American Bill [21:42] of Rights [21:43] of 1791 [21:44] and those roots [21:47] go even further [21:49] back in history. [21:51] The US Supreme Court [21:52] Historical Society [21:54] has calculated [21:55] that Magna Carta [21:56] is cited [21:58] in at least [21:58] 160 Supreme Court cases [22:02] since 1789, [22:05] not least [22:05] as the foundation [22:06] of the principle [22:07] that executive power [22:09] is subject [22:10] to checks [22:10] and balances. [22:13] This is the reason [22:42] why there stands [22:43] a stone [22:44] by the River Thames [22:45] at Runnymede [22:46] where Magna Carta [22:48] was signed [22:49] in the year 1215. [22:52] This stone records [22:53] that an acre [22:54] of that ancient [22:55] and historic site [22:56] was given [22:57] to the United States [22:58] of America [22:58] by the people [22:59] of the United Kingdom [23:00] to symbolise [23:02] our shared resolve [23:03] in support [23:04] of liberty [23:05] and in memory [23:07] of President [23:07] John F. Kennedy. [23:10] Distinguished members [23:11] of the 119th Congress, [23:14] it is here [23:15] in these very halls [23:16] that this spirit [23:18] of liberty [23:19] and the promise [23:20] of America's founders [23:21] is present [23:23] in every session [23:24] and every vote cast, [23:27] not by the will [23:28] of one, [23:29] but by the deliberation [23:30] of many, [23:31] representing [23:32] the living mosaic [23:33] of the United States. [23:35] In both of our countries, [23:39] it is the very fact [23:40] of our vibrant, [23:42] diverse, [23:43] and free societies [23:44] that gives us [23:46] our collective strength, [23:49] including [23:50] to support victims [23:51] of some of the ills [23:52] that so tragically exist [23:54] in both our societies today. [23:58] And, Mr. Speaker, [24:00] for many here [24:01] and for myself, [24:04] the Christian faith [24:06] is a firm anchor [24:07] and daily inspiration [24:09] that guides us [24:10] not only personally, [24:30] guides us not only personally, [24:32] but together [24:32] as members [24:32] of our community. [24:35] Having devoted [24:35] a large part of my life [24:37] to interfaith relationships [24:39] and greater understanding, [24:48] it is that faith [24:49] in the triumph [24:49] of light over darkness, [24:52] which I have found [24:53] confirmed countless times. [24:56] Through it, [24:57] I am inspired [24:58] by the profound respect [24:59] that develops [25:01] as people of different faiths, [25:03] grow in their understanding [25:04] of each other. [25:14] It is why, [25:15] which is my hope, [25:17] my prayer, [25:19] that in these turbulent times, [25:21] working together [25:22] and with our international partners, [25:25] we can stem the beating [25:26] of plowshares into swords. [25:28] I am mindful [25:39] that we are still [25:41] in the season of Easter, [25:44] the season that most strengthens my hope. [25:47] It is why I believe [25:48] with all my heart [25:49] that the essence [25:50] of our two nations [25:51] is a generosity of spirit [25:53] and a duty [25:55] to foster compassion, [25:57] to promote peace, [25:59] to deepen mutual understanding [26:00] and to value all people [26:03] of all faiths [26:04] and of none. [26:05] Alliance that our two nations [26:28] have built [26:29] over the centuries [26:31] and for which [26:32] we are profoundly grateful [26:34] to the American people [26:35] is truly unique. [26:38] And that alliance [26:39] is part of what Henry Kissinger [26:41] described as Kennedy's [26:43] soaring vision [26:44] of an Atlantic partnership [26:47] based on twin pillars, [26:50] Europe and America. [26:51] That partnership, [26:53] I believe, Mr. Speaker, [26:55] is more important today [26:56] than it has ever been. [26:58] The first reigning [27:09] British sovereign [27:10] to set foot in America [27:11] was my grandfather, [27:14] King George VI. [27:15] He visited in 1939 [27:18] with my beloved grandmother, [27:22] Queen Elizabeth, [27:22] the Queen Mother. [27:24] The forces of fascism [27:26] in Europe [27:26] were on the march [27:28] and sometime [27:29] before the United States [27:30] had joined us [27:31] in the defence of freedom. [27:32] our shared values prevailed. [27:38] Today, [27:38] we find ourselves [27:40] in a new era [27:41] but those values remain. [27:45] It is an era [27:46] that is in many ways [27:48] more volatile [27:49] and more dangerous [27:51] than the world [27:52] to which [27:52] my late mother spoke [27:54] in this chamber [27:55] in 1991. [27:59] The challenges we face [28:00] are too great [28:02] for any one nation [28:02] to bear alone. [28:04] But in this [28:05] unpredictable environment, [28:07] our alliance [28:09] cannot rest [28:09] on past achievements [28:11] or assume [28:12] that foundational principles [28:14] simply endure. [28:17] As my Prime Minister [28:19] said last month, [28:21] ours is an indispensable partnership. [28:24] We must not disregard [28:26] everything [28:26] that has sustained us [28:28] for the last 80 years. [28:30] Instead, [28:31] we must build on it. [28:35] Renewal, [28:36] renewal, [28:46] today starts [28:47] with security. [28:48] The United Kingdom [28:50] recognises [28:50] that the threats [28:52] we face [28:53] demand a transformation [28:54] in British defence. [28:57] That is why [28:58] our country, [28:58] in order to be fit [28:59] for the future, [29:01] has committed [29:01] to the biggest [29:02] sustained increase [29:04] in defence spending [29:05] since the Cold War. [29:07] During part of which, [29:09] over 50 years ago, [29:11] I served an immense pride [29:12] in the Royal Navy [29:13] following in the naval footsteps [29:15] of my father, [29:16] Prince Philip, [29:17] Duke of Edinburgh, [29:18] my grandfather, [29:19] King George VI, [29:20] my great uncle, [29:21] Lord Mountbatten, [29:22] and my great-grandfather, [29:23] King George V. [29:24] This year, [29:27] of course, [29:27] also marks [29:29] the 25th anniversary [29:31] of 9-11. [29:33] This atrocity [29:34] was a defining moment [29:37] for America [29:37] and your pain [29:39] and shock [29:40] were felt [29:40] around the whole world. [29:42] During my visit [29:45] to New York, [29:46] my wife and I [29:47] will again pay [29:48] our respects [29:49] to the victims, [29:51] the families, [29:52] and the bravery [29:53] shown in the face [29:54] of terrible loss. [29:57] We stood with you then [29:58] and we stand [30:00] with you now [30:01] in solemn remembrance [30:03] of a day [30:04] that shall never [30:05] be forgotten. [30:06] The immediate aftermath [30:31] of 9-11, [30:32] when NATO invoked [30:33] Article 5 [30:35] for the first time [30:36] and the United Nations [30:38] Security Council [30:39] was united [30:41] in the face [30:41] of terror, [30:43] we answered [30:44] the call together [30:45] as our people [30:46] have done so [30:47] for more than [30:47] a century, [30:49] shoulder to shoulder [30:50] through two world wars, [30:52] the Cold War, [30:53] Afghanistan, [30:55] and moments [30:55] that have defined [30:56] our shared security. [30:59] Today, [30:59] Mr. Speaker, [31:00] that same [31:01] unyielding resolve [31:03] is needed [31:04] for the defence [31:05] of Ukraine [31:06] and her most [31:07] courageous people. [31:09] It is needed [31:31] in order to secure [31:32] a truly just [31:33] and lasting peace. [31:37] From the depths [31:38] of the Atlantic [31:39] to the disastrously [31:41] melting ice caps [31:42] of the Arctic, [31:44] the commitment [31:45] and expertise [31:46] of the United States [31:47] Armed Forces [31:48] and its allies [31:49] lie at the heart [31:51] of NATO, [31:52] pledged to each [31:53] other's defence, [31:55] protecting our citizens [31:56] and interests, [31:58] keeping North Americans [31:59] and Europeans [32:00] safe from our [32:01] common adversaries. [32:02] Our defence, [32:05] intelligence [32:06] and security ties [32:07] are hardwired together [32:09] through relationships [32:11] measured not in years [32:12] but in decades. [32:16] Today, [32:16] thousands of [32:17] US service personnel, [32:20] defence officials [32:21] and their families [32:21] are stationed [32:23] in the United Kingdom [32:24] as British personnel [32:26] serve with equal pride [32:28] across 30 American states. [32:31] We are building [32:33] F-35s together [32:35] and we have agreed [32:37] the most ambitious [32:38] submarine programme [32:39] in history, [32:40] AUKUS. [32:41] And we are doing it [33:03] in partnership [33:03] with Australia, [33:05] a country of which [33:06] I'm also immensely proud [33:08] to serve as sovereign. [33:11] We do not embark [33:13] on these remarkable [33:14] endeavours together [33:15] out of sentiment. [33:17] We do so because [33:18] they build greater [33:20] shared resilience [33:22] for the future, [33:24] so making our citizens [33:25] safer for generations [33:27] to come. [33:28] Our common ideals [33:31] were not only crucial [33:32] for liberty [33:33] and equality, [33:35] they are also [33:36] the foundation [33:36] of our shared prosperity. [33:40] The rule of law, [33:42] the certainty [33:42] of stable [33:43] and accessible rules, [33:45] an independent judiciary [33:47] resolving disputes [33:48] and delivering [33:50] impartial justice. [33:53] These features [33:54] created the conditions [33:55] for centuries [33:57] of unmatched [33:58] economic growth [33:59] in our two countries. [34:01] This is why [34:03] our governments [34:04] are concluding [34:05] a new economic, [34:07] concluding new economic [34:09] and technology agreements [34:10] to write the next chapter [34:13] of our joint prosperity [34:15] and ensure that British [34:18] and American ingenuity [34:20] continues to lead the world. [34:24] Our nations are combining [34:26] talent and resources [34:27] in the technologies [34:29] of tomorrow. [34:30] Our new partnerships [34:32] in nuclear fusion [34:33] and quantum computing [34:35] and in AI [34:37] and drug discovery [34:38] holding the promise [34:40] of saving [34:41] countless lives. [34:44] More broadly, [34:46] we celebrate [34:47] the $430 billion [34:49] in annual trade [34:51] that continues to grow. [34:54] The $1.7 trillion [34:55] in mutual investment [34:57] that fuels [34:58] that innovation. [34:59] and the millions [35:00] of jobs [35:01] on both sides [35:02] of the Atlantic [35:03] supported [35:04] across both economies. [35:08] These are strong foundations [35:10] on which to continue [35:12] to build [35:13] for generations [35:14] yet unborn. [35:18] Our ties in education, [35:19] research [35:20] and cultural exchange [35:21] empower citizens [35:23] and future leaders [35:24] of both countries. [35:28] The Marshall Scholarship, [35:29] named after [35:30] the great General George Marshall [35:32] and the association [35:33] of which I am so proud [35:35] to be patron, [35:37] are emblematic [35:38] of the connection [35:39] between our two countries. [35:42] Since its founding, [35:43] more than 2,300 scholarships [35:46] have been awarded, [35:47] opening doors [35:48] for Americans [35:50] from all walks of life [35:51] to study [35:52] at the United Kingdom's [35:54] leading universities. [35:57] So as we look [35:58] toward the next 250 years, [36:01] we must also reflect [36:02] on our shared responsibility [36:05] to safeguard nature, [36:08] our most precious [36:09] and irreplaceable asset. [36:31] Millennia, [36:32] millennia before [36:33] our nations existed, [36:35] before any border drawn, [36:37] the mountains of Scotland [36:38] and Appalachia [36:39] were one, [36:40] a single continuous range [36:42] forged in the ancient [36:44] collision of continents. [36:47] The natural wonders [36:48] of the United States, [36:50] of America, [36:51] are indeed [36:52] a unique asset. [36:54] And generations [36:55] of Americans [36:56] have risen to this calling. [36:59] Indigenous, [37:00] political [37:00] and civic leaders, [37:02] people in rural communities [37:04] and cities alike, [37:06] have all helped [37:07] to protect and nurture [37:08] what President Theodore Roosevelt [37:11] called the glorious heritage [37:13] of this land's [37:15] extraordinary natural splendour, [37:18] on which so much [37:19] of its prosperity [37:20] has always depended. [37:23] Yet, even as we celebrate [37:26] the beauty that surrounds us, [37:29] our generation [37:30] must decide [37:32] how to address [37:33] the collapse [37:34] of critical natural systems, [37:36] which threatens far more [37:38] than the harmony [37:38] and essential diversity [37:40] of nature. [37:41] We ignore at our peril [37:44] the fact [37:45] that these natural systems, [37:47] in other words, [37:48] nature's own economy, [37:50] provide the foundation [37:52] for our prosperity [37:53] and our national security. [37:55] The story of the United Kingdom [38:20] and the United States [38:22] is at its heart [38:23] a story [38:24] of reconciliation, [38:27] renewal [38:27] and remarkable partnership. [38:31] From the bitter divisions [38:32] of 250 years ago, [38:35] we forged a friendship [38:36] that has grown [38:37] into one of the most [38:39] consequential alliances [38:40] in human history. [38:43] I pray with all my heart [38:44] that our alliance [38:47] will continue to defend [38:48] our shared values [38:50] with our partners [38:51] in Europe [38:52] and the Commonwealth [38:53] and across the world [38:55] and that we ignore [39:04] the clarion calls [39:05] to become [39:06] ever more inward-looking. [39:08] Mr Speaker, [39:10] Mr Vice President, [39:12] distinguished ladies [39:12] and gentlemen, [39:15] America's words [39:16] carry weight [39:17] and meaning [39:18] as they have [39:20] since independence. [39:22] The actions [39:23] of this great nation [39:24] matter even more. [39:28] President Lincoln [39:28] understood this so well [39:30] with his reflection [39:31] in the magisterial [39:33] Gettysburg Address [39:34] that the world [39:37] may little note [39:38] what we say [39:39] but will never forget [39:41] what we do. [39:44] And so, [39:44] to the United States [39:45] of America, [39:47] on your 250th birthday, [39:50] let our two countries [39:51] rededicate ourselves [39:53] to each other [39:55] in the selfless service [39:57] of our peoples [39:59] and of all the peoples [40:01] of the world. [40:03] God bless the United States [40:05] and God bless [40:06] the United Kingdom. [40:12] A rousing address [40:13] to a joint session [40:14] of Congress [40:14] in Washington. [40:16] King Charles, [40:17] the first monarch [40:18] since his mother, [40:19] Queen Elizabeth II, [40:20] to address [40:21] a joint session [40:21] of Congress. [40:22] He spoke [40:23] before a bipartisan [40:25] audience there, [40:26] a packed chamber. [40:30] He said he had visited [40:31] this country [40:31] so many times, [40:32] 19 times in fact, [40:34] before he came today [40:35] as king [40:35] to address the chamber [40:37] of this country [40:38] and the world, [40:39] of course, [40:39] watching [40:40] and the British people [40:41] and the people [40:43] of the Commonwealth [40:44] back home [40:44] watching him as well [40:46] amid criticism [40:47] from some [40:48] that this was ill-timed. [40:50] It had been scheduled [40:51] long in advance [40:52] of the 250th birthday [40:54] of the United States [40:55] coming this July 4th, [40:58] but of course, [40:59] events in the meantime, [41:01] the war in Iran [41:02] and other world events, [41:05] domestic politics [41:06] here at home [41:07] playing out [41:10] and making this visit [41:11] perhaps a bit more complicated. [41:13] Rachel Scott, [41:15] you're in the chamber. [41:16] This is, as we know, [41:18] a polarized country, [41:19] divided times, [41:20] but as you have observed, [41:22] this was quite a moment [41:23] of solidarity. [41:26] Yes, David, [41:26] and look, [41:26] the king faced [41:27] no easy task here [41:28] addressing [41:29] a bitterly divided Congress, [41:31] but there was a sense [41:32] of unity [41:32] in this chamber [41:33] that I, quite frankly, [41:35] have not seen [41:35] in a very long time. [41:37] I have sat in this seat [41:38] for several [41:39] State of the Union addresses [41:40] and this was a sense [41:41] of unity [41:41] that, quite frankly, [41:42] was just rare. [41:43] We don't see this often. [41:45] I mean, [41:45] even look at this image [41:46] right now. [41:46] Democrats and Republicans [41:48] on both sides of the aisle [41:49] trying to get a chance [41:51] with the king [41:51] to thank him [41:52] for coming here, [41:53] to thank him [41:53] for sharing this message [41:55] here today. [41:56] I mean, [41:56] laughter was filling [41:57] the chamber multiple times [41:58] and the king started off [41:59] with multiple jokes here [42:01] to members of Congress [42:02] and members of both sides [42:04] of the aisle [42:04] listening intensively [42:06] and intently [42:07] and then rising to their feet [42:09] multiple times [42:10] during this speech, [42:11] so much so [42:11] the king himself [42:12] had to stop [42:13] and pause [42:14] a few times [42:15] at moments [42:15] I don't think [42:15] he quite expected to [42:17] for either laughter [42:18] or applause [42:19] as this chamber [42:20] really took in his words. [42:21] The tone was light. [42:22] It was hopeful [42:23] even as we faced [42:24] so much uncertainty abroad [42:25] and the king [42:26] did not shy away [42:27] from those moments. [42:28] He delivered this message [42:29] of unity and appreciation [42:30] for the shared alliance, [42:32] a message that, [42:32] quite frankly, [42:33] members on both sides [42:34] of the aisle [42:34] feel like is welcomed here. [42:36] And, of course, [42:36] that message from the king [42:37] that I think [42:38] that really hit home [42:39] for a number of members [42:40] when he talked about [42:41] the weight of America's words, [42:43] that they carry meaning. [42:45] The question now [42:46] as the king exits this chamber, [42:47] can that message last? [42:49] Can it sustain? [42:50] And can this be a repair [42:52] for what has become [42:53] a fractured relationship? [42:55] Rachel Scott in the chamber. [42:56] The king did not shy away [42:58] from some heavy issues [43:00] at one point in the speech [43:02] talking about [43:02] how leadership [43:03] of this country [43:04] and back home, [43:06] leadership not above the law, [43:08] should always be subject [43:10] to questions [43:12] referencing the Magna Carta, [43:16] the foundation of law, [43:18] and pointing out [43:20] that the Supreme Court [43:21] over many decades [43:22] has pointed back [43:24] to the early findings [43:25] and words of Magna Carta, [43:28] talking about how power [43:30] should be held to account. [43:33] He talked about [43:34] the war in Ukraine [43:35] and about NATO's influence [43:37] in the world, [43:38] and that just as NATO [43:40] was there for the United States [43:42] after 9-11, [43:43] that we must be there [43:44] to support Ukraine [43:47] through this conflict [43:48] with Russia. [43:50] He talked about climate, [43:52] the natural wonders [43:53] of the United States [43:53] as we approach [43:54] this 250th birthday, [43:57] saying they are not just [43:58] the natural wonders, [44:00] they are also the foundation [44:01] that allows us [44:02] to have an economy [44:04] and to have prosperity, [44:05] and that they too [44:06] must be protected. [44:08] There were 10 standing ovations [44:10] for this 28-minute speech. [44:12] Robert Jobson, [44:13] ABC News royal contributor. [44:15] Robert, you and I [44:16] have been on the air [44:16] so many times over the years [44:18] at these pivotal moments [44:19] for the royal family. [44:21] You spoke of the criticism [44:23] from some back home [44:25] that he was coming [44:25] at this moment, [44:27] that perhaps it was ill-timed, [44:29] but I wonder [44:29] if you took note as well [44:31] that he did not shy away [44:32] from some of the most [44:33] challenging issues [44:34] of the moment. [44:36] He certainly didn't, David, [44:37] and I think what it was [44:37] really came across [44:39] in that speech [44:41] was the sense of [44:41] keep calm and carry on, [44:43] the old expression [44:44] that used to be around [44:44] in the war times [44:46] of the Second World War, [44:47] that this is an enduring [44:48] relationship, [44:49] a relationship that matters [44:50] not only between [44:52] the two countries, [44:53] but to the whole world, [44:54] because between us, [44:57] obviously, [44:57] with America taking the lead, [44:59] we champion the things [45:00] that really matter [45:01] in the world, [45:02] which is freedom. [45:03] And I think that really [45:04] that speech [45:05] and the fact that it was able [45:06] in a way to almost [45:07] unify the House, [45:08] but also, I think, [45:09] silence a few of the critics [45:11] back home in Great Britain [45:12] who had said, [45:13] why is he coming? [45:14] He shouldn't be coming. [45:15] Actually, it proved exactly [45:16] why he should be coming, [45:18] because with a deft touch [45:19] and with a very powerful speech, [45:21] he would have been, [45:23] although it would have been [45:23] prepared by the government, [45:24] he would have been [45:25] overlooking, [45:26] overseeing the whole [45:27] of that speech. [45:28] He knew the tone. [45:29] He'd been in the shadow [45:30] of the Queen for so long, [45:31] and he would have actually [45:32] turned around and said, [45:33] this speech matters, [45:34] and he really delivered it, [45:35] and I think he silenced [45:36] any critics back home [45:37] who said he shouldn't be here. [45:38] Robert Jobson with us [45:39] here today. [45:40] Robert, thank you. [45:41] The King saying [45:42] that executive power [45:43] is subject to checks [45:44] and balances. [45:46] He said he believes [45:47] that these two nations, [45:49] that the relationship [45:50] is born a generosity [45:51] of spirit and a duty [45:52] to foster compassion, [45:54] a deep mutual understanding [45:56] to value all people [45:57] of all faiths [45:58] and those of none [45:59] to applause inside the chamber. [46:02] He talked about a new era, [46:05] but that those values remain. [46:06] He talked about this time [46:07] being more dangerous [46:08] than the world [46:09] to which his late mother spoke [46:11] in the very chamber [46:12] that he spoke today [46:13] back in 1991, [46:15] but that these nations together [46:17] can meet that test. [46:19] James Longman watching [46:20] from the Capitol as well. [46:22] Again, taking note there [46:24] of the room, [46:24] the bipartisan support [46:26] for the King, [46:26] the standing ovations, [46:28] even with him addressing [46:29] some of the most challenging [46:33] issues of these times. [46:35] Yeah, David, [46:35] I think it goes to show [46:36] it's not what you say, [46:37] it's often how you say it. [46:38] And the message [46:39] that Charles gave, [46:40] it's been received there [46:42] in the sort of sense of unity, [46:44] but, I mean, [46:44] he did not shy away [46:45] from some pretty pointed messages. [46:48] I mean, [46:48] talking about the importance [46:49] of NATO, [46:50] the fact that it was [46:50] the United States [46:51] that triggered Article 5 [46:53] after 9-11. [46:54] I recall Donald Trump [46:56] denigrating allied veterans, [46:58] joking about how they didn't [47:00] perhaps fight as hard. [47:01] That was a British [47:03] veiled reference to that. [47:04] On Ukraine, [47:05] we know that this is a divisive [47:06] issue in the United States. [47:08] Support for Ukraine [47:09] is falling away. [47:10] He was clear, [47:11] Ukraine needs to be supported. [47:13] He quoted the Prime Minister, [47:16] Keir Starmer, [47:17] the man that Donald Trump [47:18] has spent months denigrating, [47:20] he actually just used [47:21] the same words. [47:22] The British government [47:22] put the Prime Minister's words [47:24] in the King's mouth [47:25] to repeat, [47:26] to say that this is [47:27] an indispensable partnership. [47:29] We must not disregard [47:29] everything that has sustained us [47:31] for the last 80 years. [47:32] The King showed today [47:33] what monarchy can do. [47:35] David. [47:36] James, thank you. [47:37] The King sang to Mr. Speaker, [47:39] Mr. Vice President, [47:40] and to the bipartisan [47:41] group of lawmakers [47:42] in that chamber [47:43] that America's words [47:44] carry weight and meaning [47:46] as they have since independence, [47:48] but that the actions [47:48] of this great nation [47:50] matter even more. [47:51] He referenced President Lincoln [47:53] back in the day [47:54] and the Gettysburg Address, [47:56] saying that people [47:56] might not remember [47:57] what this nation says, [47:59] but it will certainly remember [48:00] what it is we do. [48:02] The King, [48:03] before a joint session [48:04] of Congress [48:05] there late today, [48:06] an historic moment [48:06] for sure.