King Charles urges US to defend ‘shared values,’ says its actions shape the world
audible groans from the audience after King Charles says "America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence" pic.twitter.com/QbkCqkfXO7
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 28, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: King Charles III, on Tuesday, April 28, used a high-profile address to Congress to deliver a pointed message on global leadership, telling US lawmakers that America’s voice carries enormous influence but its decisions matter even more.
Speaking before a joint meeting of Congress, the British monarch praised the historic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States while urging both nations to remain outward-looking during a tense geopolitical moment.
"I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the commonwealth and across the world," says King Charles in his address to Congress, urging the U.K. and the U.S. to “ignore the clarion calls to become ever… pic.twitter.com/fP9NGBg3UP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 28, 2026
King Charles says 'words carry weight'
Charles said the United States has long held a unique role on the world stage and that what Washington says is heard far beyond its borders.
“America’s words carry weight and meaning,” he told lawmakers, before adding that the country’s actions carry even greater consequences.
He then invoked Abraham Lincoln, referencing the Gettysburg Address, to stress that history remembers deeds more than speeches.
The remark was widely seen as a call for principled leadership as global instability grows.
The King also spoke emotionally about the Anglo-American alliance, calling it one of the most important relationships in modern history.
“From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history,” he said.
Charles added that he prays the partnership continues to defend shared democratic values alongside allies in Europe, the Commonwealth and beyond.
He warned against turning inward, saying nations should resist pressures toward isolationism.
King Charles quotes President Trump
In a notable moment, Charles quoted President Donald Trump’s earlier praise for the US-UK relationship.
Charles said, “As President Trump himself observed during his state visit to Britain last autumn: The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
Recalling Trump’s previous state visit to Britain, the King cited the president’s words describing the bond between the two countries as “priceless and eternal” and “unbreakable.”
The reference stood out because it came after recent strains between Washington and London over foreign policy disagreements.
The remarks came as both allies navigate tensions linked to the Middle East crisis, NATO defense burdens and debates over America’s global role.
He ended by urging both countries to recommit themselves to service, cooperation and leadership beyond their own borders.
