"Bold and Imaginative Rebels With A Cause" – King Charles' Address To the U.S. Congress

Thunderous and long-lasting applause greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla as King Charles III took to the podium of the joint session of Congress, yesterday. Making King Charles III the second British monarch in history to address the U.S. Congress. With his mother, Queen Elizabeth, being the first. In fact, King Charles III noted during his speech that his late mother spoke in the same chamber in 1991. His speech was filled with respect for "The American States" with a heavy emphasis also being placed on the shared bond between the USA and the United Kingdom.

With the USA celebrating the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence this summer, King Charles III made several references to The Declaration of Independence. Even quoting from it upon occasion as he referred to "certain self-evident truths" that the two counties have in common. In a bit of humor, he also referenced Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities", by stating that he might have written a novel about The American Revolution entitled, "A Tale of Two Georges".

In another display of British wit and humor, King Charles III also quoted the Irish playwright, Oscar Wilde, when he said, "We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language." Yet, at the same time, King Charles III heavily praised the American system of government. Stating that the two countries, the USA and the United Kingdom, "stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy". While Americans do not typically consider the United Kingdom to resemble any type of a democracy, King Charles III emphasized that it is a constitutional monarchy. Tracing some of the origins of the American system of government to the Magna Carta, which has been cited in at least 160 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 1789.

King Charles III also made references to British and American ingenuity leading the world in technological development. He praised the natural resources of America. And placed a heavy emphasis on defending our "shared values". He stated that the revolutionary ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are "the foundation of our shared prosperity". King Charles III made a reference to Christianity. As he pointed out that, "the Christian faith is a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally but together with our communities".

In a reference to his experience in the Royal Navy, King Charles III noted that both countries need to stay united in keeping our people safe from our common adversaries. Noting that both countries are working together in building certain defense-related technology. King Charles III assured the members of the joint session of Congress that he was not present as a "cunning rear guard". Although, it is worth noting that as of December 2025, foreign holdings of federal debt totaled approximately $9.2 trillion, or 31% of total U.S. publicly held debt ($30.1 trillion). With the top three estimated foreign holders of American federal debt by country being Japan at around $1.2 trillion, the United Kingdom at $0.9 trillion, and China at around $0.7 trillion. Which makes the United Kingdom the holder of approximately 9.3% of the American federal debt.

In a more practical aspect of the bond of "reconciliation, renewal, and remarkable partnership" that King Charles III kept referencing between the USA and America, he pointed out that the annual trade between the two countries of goods and services is around $340 billion dollars. Which makes the United States of America the United Kingdom's largest single trading partner. Hence, his quote perhaps from President Donald J. Trump that the bond between the USA and the UK is "priceless and eternal".

King Charles III mentioned that "King George never set foot in America", but by contrast, this was his 20th visit to the USA and his first as king. He referred to the U. S. Congress as the "citadel of Democracy" and even praised the founding fathers of the USA. For King Charles III stated that the "founding fathers were bold and imaginative rebels with a cause." In closing, King Charles III stated that may, "God Bless The American States and God Bless The United Kingdom."

After his travels throughout the USA, King Charles III and Camilla will travel to Bermuda. Which will mark his first trip as a monarch to an overseas British territory.

Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa attorney, piano instructor, vocalist, poet, reporter, and columnist who writes on current affairs, politics, and the arts.