King Charles Praised for “Masterclass” Speech as U.S. Visit Exceeds Expectations

0:03 Calorougus Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Palace Injury. I'm your host, Mark Francis. King Charles is receiving nothing but praise after his visit to Washington. A BBC analysis of the King's address to Congress suggests the speech was as much a diplomatic intervention as it was a ceremonial milestone. Writing for the BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher describes the visit as a rescue mission aimed at easing tensions between London and Washington at a time of disagreement over the conflict in Iran. In his speech, the King leaned into that context from the outset, acknowledging what he calls times of great uncertainty and referencing conflicts from Europe to the Middle East which pose immense challenges. Zurcher notes that the King also openly recognized differences between the two nations, telling larmakers, with the spirit of seventeen seventy six, in our move we can perhaps agree, that we do not always agree, before arguing that cooperation remains essential, adding that together the two countries can achieve great things, not just for the benefit of our peoples, but of all peoples.

1:13 One of the more politically sensitive moments came when the King referenced constitutional principles highlighting executive power being subject to checks and balances, a line that drew strong applause, particularly from Democrats. Zurcher writes that this was interpreted by some in the chamber as a subtle message about the importance of limits on presidential authority, especially given ongoing criticism of Donald Trump from political opponents. The King also placed heavy emphasis on the Transatlantic Alliance, particularly NATO, reminding the audience of shared security commitments. He said, from the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, Pledged to each other's defense, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries. On domestic controversies, including calls for the King to address victims connected to the Jeoffrey Epstein case, Zurcher notes the speech stopped short. The closest reference was a broader line calling for support for victims of some of the ills that so tragically exist in both our societies today. Despite the serious tone, the King used humour to connect with his audience.

2:26 He joked about the age of the United States, saying it marked two hundred and fifty years, or as we say in the UK, just the other day, and dismissed any suggestion of imperial nostalgia, remarking he was not in Washington as a cunning rearguard action to re establish British rule. Also for the BBC Chief Political correspondent Henry Zeffman writes, there is definite relief and happiness in government that the King's state visit has gone so well. That would of course be the case at any time, but especially so given transatlantic relations have been so strained of late. However, among figures in government there is also realism just because Donald Trump has spoken so affectionately of Britain in the presence of the King, it does not mean his frustration with Soir Kiah Starmer and the British government It's likely to abate. After all, Trump's state visit last year to the UK went off without a hitch, including the press conference alongside Starmer at Chequers, where the President was on his best behavior. Nevertheless, within a few months the differences on foreign policy between both leaders began to show more and more prominently. Of course, for all that Starmer would no doubt prefer not to be derided on social media by the US President, periodically he has sought to turn their dispute to his advantage politically, arguing that it shows he will stand up for the national interest in a way his opponents would not. Don't expect the PM to cease making that argument anytime soon. Whatever the lingering warmth from this royal tour. In The Guardian, David Smith called it a master class. Smith writes, a flick of Oscar

3:57 Wilde here, not to Henry Kissinger. There sprinkling of Darles Dickens. Here a dollop of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. There, job done. The British monarch mobilized an elite squad of dead white men, leavened with humor and subliminal politicking. On Tuesday in the charm offensive aimed over Donald Trump's head and squarely at the US Congress. Judging by the cheers and minute long applause he received at the end, the soft power flex worked a treat and the special relationship lives to fight another day. But the King's central message of two great nations entwined in destiny was also an inadvertent reminder of two empires that look increasingly shabby these days, with right wing populists on the march and the ghost of the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein hovering in the shadows.

4:41 What would America's founding fathers have made of seeing George the Third's direct descendants speak to their successors, Donald Trump mused at the White House on Tuesday. They might be absolutely shocked, but probably only for a moment. Surely they would be delighted that the wounds of war healed into the most cherished friendship, while Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and co. Would surely be more shocked to discover that they now have their own mad king in the White House. If Charles spots signs saying no kings on his travels, he shouldn't take it personally. And when the King characterized Congress as not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, there was a shout of all right from the Democratic side of the House. Charles continued to make some discreet political jabs. He said he had served with immense pride in the Royal Navy, the same one that Trump had been disparaging lately. Mission accomplished, he departed the chamber with handshakes and smiles. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown, But thanks to some canny speech writing and a book of quotations, the King had hopefully made his point without triggering a fiery tirade from the mad monarch. On truth Social, Donald Trump has reacted with enthusiasm to a report suggesting he may be distantly related to the King. The claim traces both men's lineage back to a shared ancestor, the third Earl of Lennox John Stewart, a grandson of James the Second of Scotland, making the pair very distant cousins. Posting on truth Social, the President wrote, well, that's nice. I've always wanted to live in buckingh and Pallas.

6:11 I'll talk to the King and Queen about this in a few minutes. The suggestion quickly became a topic of late night commentary. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel referenced the idea during his monologue, saying, you know this idea that Trump might be the King's distant cousin, is exactly the plot of King Ralph, a nineteen ninety one film in which an ordinary American unexpectedly becomes heir to the British throne. More palating, just a moment. In other news, the Prince and Princess of Wales have marked fifteen years of marriage with the release of a new family portrait. William and Kate shared the image on social media, showing the couple relaxed alongside their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

6:52 The photograph, believed to have been taken during a recent family holiday in Cornwall, captures a candid moment with the family sitting together on the grass and bright sunshine. In accompanying images from the trip, their youngest son, Prince Louis, was seen playing in the sand, enjoying a game of cricket and running along the beach. Posting the portrait, the couple wrote simply celebrating fifteen years of marriage. The anniversary portrait follows a similar tradition from last year, when the couple released a more intimate image taken during a visit to the Isle of Mull, where they are known by their Scottish titles. That photograph showed the Prince and Princess embracing at Duskin, Toba Maury, offering a quiet and more personal glimpse into their relationship. Prior to the anniversary, Prince William visited Array, a valley on the island of Anglesey where he served as a search and rescue pilot between twenty ten and twenty thirteen. The posting coincided with a defining period in his personal life, including his engagement and marriage in twenty eleven, as well as the birth of the couple's first child, Prince George, in twenty thirteen. Anglessy also holds particular meaning for the couple as the place where they made their first home together, living in a rented farmhouse during the early years of their marriage. Reflecting on that time, Willim previously said the experience gave them a lasting connection to Wales, noting that when you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people in the sense of warmth and belongings what make Wales unlike anywhere else. During the visit, William attended events marking the eighty fifth anniversary of Arief Valley, where he serves as honorary Air Commodore. He observed a parade

8:23 presented the Prince of Wales award to a leading flying instructor and met service personnel, including members of two two Squadron. Should you find yourself running into King Charles, the official royal site has some tips. There is no strict requirement when meeting a member of the royal family, but traditional forms of etiquette are often observed. For King Charles the Third and Queen of Miller, men may offer a slight bow of the head, while women may choose a small curtsey. Many people, however, simply up for a standard handshake. When speaking to the King, the formal address is your Majesty on first introduction, followed by sir. Thereafter For the Queen, the same initial form applies Your Majesty, with man used in subsequent conversation pronounced with a short as and jam.

9:07 The same structure applies when addressing other senior royals. Male members of first address as your Royal Highness and sir, while female members are addresses Your Royal Highness followed by man and don't ask for a selfie. That's a poor taste, and there you have it. If you like to email us addresses the Palace Intrigue at gmail dot com. Please follow us on Spotify, Apple for notifications on all these bonus shows. I'm Mark Francis my thanks to John McDermott. This is Palace Intrigue in good terms.