The last time a member of the Royal Family addressed the U.S. Congress, it was Queen Elizabeth in 1991.
Though I worked for the U.S. Senate Majority Leader in the U.S. Capitol at that time, I was far away and not on the guest list to be in the U.S. House Chamber that day.
I remember seeing her from across the room in the Capitol Rotunda — I journaled that she wore an incredible color I had never seen before. C-SPAN’s video captured the moment and the color perfectly.
Today, King Charles had the honor of being the second Royal to address the U.S. Congress – 37 years later. He was in the USA to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. His speech was eloquent, funny, charming and quite remarkable.
“We meet in times of great uncertainty; in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East which pose immense challenges for the international community and whose impact is felt in communities the length and breadth of our own countries.
We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord. Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed. 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.”
— His Majesty, King Charles, 04/28/26
The majesty of these events and the history of our two countries cannot be taken for granted. We must honor and respect these institutions — regardless of party, regardless of who is the King or the Queen, regardless of who is the President, and regardless of who holds the majority in Congress.
Thirty-seven years ago, we disagreed politely. Today’s politicians disagree like 12-year olds.
These moments should be memorialized as moments of great respect and great pride for both our countries.
Both President Trump and King Charles have had squirmishes with the media over issues both political and personal. But today, both men demonstrated praise and respect for one another.
Let’s try to get back to that. Let’s try harder to demonstrate that same respect and pride today as we did 37 years ago.
God Bless America! God Bless the United Kingdom!🙏🏼