The King has reflected on the 250-year history between the US and the UK in a powerful speech at the state banquet in Windsor Castle
Trump visit: King Charles delivers speech at State Banquet
King Charles has delivered a powerful speech during the US state banquet, in front of American leader Donald Trump and First Lady Melania.
The King touched on the 250-year history between the two nations, recalling how far the relationship between the US and the UK has come since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which signified America’s independence from the monarchy.
The King began his speech with a welcome to the US leader, saying: “Mr. President, Mrs. Trump, it is with great pleasure that my wife and I welcome you to Windsor Castle, on this, your second State Visit to the United Kingdom.
“This unique and important occasion reflects the enduring bond between our two great nations. Anchored by the deep friendship between our people, this relationship which, with good reason, we and our predecessors have long called ‘special’, has made us safer and stronger through the generations.
“Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fuelling our economies and cultures through myriad forms of exchange. We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.
King Charles continued: “Mr. President, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, it is remarkable to think just how far we have come. I cannot help but wonder what our forebears from 1776 would make of this friendship today. The rebel commander and pioneering first President, George Washington, famously vowed never to set foot on British soil. And my five times Great Grandfather, King George III, for his part, did not spare his words when he spoke of the revolutionary leaders.
“Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined. The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin. Mr. President, you have spoken of your pride in your British roots. In fact, not only have you set foot on British soil twice in the last two months alone, but I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses!
“For my part, I have always admired the ingenuity of the American people; and the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception. Throughout my life, from my very first visit to the United States in 1970 and over twenty visits since that time, I have cherished the close ties between the British and American peoples.
The King then joked: “In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family!”
At the time, it was claimed that the then eligible bachelor Prince Charles had reportedly fallen in love with President Nixon’s daughter Tricia.
King Charles continued: “Mr President, from York to New York, from Birmingham, England, to Birmingham, Alabama, we are united by a common language and shared heritage. The many thousands of people from each of our countries who have made the other their home have enriched our societies immeasurably – a fact that gives me the greatest pride.
“Our cultural connections, too, continue to flourish, with our actors, musicians, writers and television presenters prospering in the hearts of transatlantic audiences. Today, our alliance spans every field of endeavour and shows vast potential for growth. The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your Administration, Mr. President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries. And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership.
“Our two nations have an exceptional legacy of shared discovery. Together, we laid the foundations of nuclear science, mapped the human genome and built the internet, upon which all contemporary commerce, communication and defence is based. Together, our scientists and engineers are shaping the world of tomorrow, not least with new partnership agreements on technology, and the prosperity that stands to bring.
“Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known. In two World Wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny. Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace. And our A.U.K.U.S. submarine partnership, with Australia, sets the benchmark for innovative and vital collaboration.
“The successors of the British Redcoats and of George Washington’s Continental Army today stand shoulder-to-shoulder, brothers and sisters in arms, protecting the freedoms we both cherish. Our countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, not least of which, Mr.President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace.
“In striving together for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of Nature for the generations who follow us. We share the ambition, and determination, to preserve our majestic lands and waters; above all, to ensure that we have clean water, clean air and clean food.
“Our legacy for the next 250 years and beyond is to ensure that our children, grandchildren, and those who come after them, can experience the awe and magnificence of the natural treasures found in the countryside, on the coasts, in the seas and in the National Parks established by your predecessors and mine.
“Mr President, Mrs Trump – the bond between our two nations is indeed a remarkable one. Forged in the fire of conflict, it has been fortified through our shared endeavours and burnished by the deep affection between our people.
“Tested time and again, it has borne the weight of our common purpose and raised our ambition for a better world. In renewing our bond tonight, we do so with unshakeable trust in our friendship and in our shared commitment to independence and liberty.
“Therefore, as we celebrate this unparalleled partnership, allow me to propose a toast – to President Trump and the First Lady, and to the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States of America.”
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and a host of other senior royals attended the state banquet in Windsor Castle, as they honoured the relationship between the US and the UK.
King Charles welcomed the US president to Windsor earlier today, while a royal salute fired from First World War-style guns on the east lawn of Windsor Castle and at the Tower of London.
The King then shared a coach alongside Trump during a carriage procession through the Windsor Estate. The Queen meanwhile shared a coach with Melania.
After the carriage ride through Windsor, a Guard of Honour, made up of the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards gave a royal salute and the US and UK national anthems were played.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the King and President led the royal party to the Sovereign’s Entrance of the Castle and headed inside for a private lunch.
After their lunch, the Trumps paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth in St George’s Chapel, before joining the King and Queen outside Windsor Castle for the RAF flypast. The aerial display had originally been planned to be two parts, but due to weather conditions, much of the show was cancelled .
