Support for NATO, inclusiveness, and “defense of Ukraine and its bravest people” each featured in a series of indirect rebuttals in President Trump’s speech.
Although Prince Charles’ political speeches are written by the government, aides at Buckingham Palace told NBC News that the tone and language were likely his own.
Charles’ most pointed comments came at a time when U.S.-UK relations are said to be at their lowest point in decades over the Iran war, Trump’s disagreements with NATO and his criticism of Britain’s immigration policy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has allowed US troops to use British bases, but rejected calls from President Trump for Britain to become more involved in the Iran war. Those tensions reached a new climax last week when Reuters published an internal Pentagon email proposing to punish Britain for its stance on Iran by reviewing the US position on the Falkland Islands. NBC News has not confirmed this email.
But Charles said the alliance was “truly unique” and “more important today than ever before,” praising the U.S. military and allies as “the heart of NATO” that “defends North Americans and Europeans from our common enemy.”
At a state dinner later that night, Prince Charles expanded his remarks beyond alliances to include constitutional and environmental issues, including references to the executive branch’s powers being “subject to checks and balances” in the midst of a war not authorized by parliament, and to the “disastrously melting Arctic ice sheet.” Host Trump is a climate change skeptic.
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President Trump toasts King Charles and talks about Iran war
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“America’s words carry weight and meaning, and as they have since independence, the actions of this great nation matter even more,” Charles said, concluding his speech to Congress with comments that President Trump’s unique, hands-off approach has distressed longtime international allies and upended norms and long-standing agreements.
Sometimes subdued, sometimes more pointed, the speech seemed to reach the audience well, garnering many standing ovations.
President Trump praised the king at the dinner.
In clearly unscripted remarks, Trump referred to Iran, saying, “Prime Minister Charles agrees with me more than I do. We’re not going to give them nuclear weapons.”
The British monarch follows rules and norms that prevent her from taking overtly political positions. Asked about Trump’s comments on Iran, a palace spokesperson told NBC News: “The King is understandably mindful of the government’s long-standing and well-known position on nuclear non-proliferation.”
At the state dinner, Prince Charles remained upbeat and continued to crack jokes about the two countries’ common language and history, including quips about the White House. He also turned to more serious issues, particularly the flare-up of the war in Ukraine, and invoked historic U.S. support that is now seen as faltering.
