In a carefully calibrated diplomatic speech to the United States Congress on Tuesday, King Charles III of the United Kingdom offered both acknowledgements and admonitions to the United States. The King called for continued support for Ukraine, and acknowledged that the United Kingdom must invest more in defence.
Charles sought to calm tempers and extend a hand, and by using expressions such as “my Prime Minister” signalled that he was speaking on behalf of the government, observes The Times.

Charles said that it was “difficult not to feel the weight of history upon one’s shoulders”. It may feel even heavier now that the President has made it clear that he does not regard the United Kingdom as a good ally.

The underlying message was that in “uncertain” times we are better off together, despite our disagreements.

The British monarch urged the United States to avoid unilateral action, while at the same time signalling dependence on the United States:

Charles said: “The challenges we face are too great for any single nation to bear alone. But in this unpredictable environment, our alliance cannot rest on past achievements or take for granted that fundamental principles will simply endure. As my Prime Minister said last month: ‘Our partnership is indispensable.’ We must not turn away from all that has sustained us over the past 80 years. Instead, we must build upon it.”

In practice, Charles asked the United States for continued support in the war in Ukraine, while also weaving in a measure of climate alarmism:

“Today, the same unwavering resolve is required to defend Ukraine and its brave people – it is required to secure a truly just and lasting peace. From the depths of the Atlantic to the catastrophically melting ice caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States armed forces and their allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to defend one another, protect our citizens and interests, and keep North Americans and Europeans safe from our common enemies.

The King nevertheless avoided the word “climate” in the speech, instead referring to the necessity of protecting “nature”. Trump – who, in accordance with protocol, was not present, but was nevertheless the principal addressee of the speech – has on several occasions described climate policy as a harmful fraud.
Charles also spoke of a vision of multi-religious harmony:

For many here – and for myself – the Christian faith is a firm anchor and a daily inspiration that guides us not only individually, but together as members of our society. Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith dialogue and greater understanding, it is this belief in the triumph of light over darkness that I have found confirmed countless times.
Through it, I am inspired by the deep respect that develops when people of different faiths grow in their understanding of one another. It is therefore my hope – my prayer – that in these troubled times, through cooperation with one another and with our international partners, we may prevent ploughshares from being forged into swords.

The King has long cultivated relations with Islam, and his personal admiration for this religion is clearly evident.
“I think Islam hates us,” said Trump in an interview in 2016.