Standing ovation for the King at US Congress

King Charles received several standing ovations during his speech to a joint session of the US Congress in Washington, D.C.

In total, the King received 11 standing ovations, with the first one coming only 75 words into his speech. Due to this reception by the American legislators, the King’s speech went over by at least ten minutes at the Capitol.

He began by telling the government officials, “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.

“Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who, in 1991, was also afforded this signal honour and similarly spoke under the watchful eye of the Statue of Freedom above us.

“Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.”

The King praised the special bond between the UK and the US, remarking back to his grandfather’s first visit to America, “The first reigning British sovereign to set foot in America was my grandfather, King George VI. He visited in 1939 with my beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The forces of fascism in Europe were on the march, and some time before the United States had joined using the defence of freedom.

“Our shared values prevailed. Today, we find ourselves in a new era, but those values remain.”

The King also alluded to the issues in the US and its actions around the world when he said, “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since Independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more.”

After the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and other government officials at the White House Correspondence dinner, the King remarked, “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.”

Due to the act of violence, security has been increased during the British state visit.

After his historic speech, Buckingham Palace told Hello, “The King was deeply honoured to have been invited to be the first British King to give such an address and was greatly touched by the warmth and generosity of the response he received.”

King Charles followed in his mother’s footsteps with his remarks. Queen Elizabeth II addressed Congress in 1991 and received many standing ovations, like her son. In total, 11 monarchs from around the world have addressed the US legislature.