Washington, 29 April (H.S.): Britain's King Charles III delivered a poignant address to the US Congress on Tuesday, imploring the United States to fortify its alliances with Western partners despite escalating frictions over Iran and Ukraine.

In his first speech to American lawmakers since Queen Elizabeth II's in 1991—timed to commemorate 250 years of US independence,Charles underscored the enduring special relationship forged through shared history and values. He declared, The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone, urging resolve in supporting Ukraine's defense and resisting isolationist impulses.

The monarch highlighted democratic pillars like the Magna Carta's influence on US law, evoking applause for checks on executive power.

President Donald Trump, hosting Charles and Queen Camilla for a four-day state visit, extended a lavish White House welcome marked by a 21-gun salute, military flyover, and closed-door talks.

Trump lauded Britain as America's closest ally, invoking Winston Churchill's phrase and praising joint military prowess, a stark contrast to his recent barbs at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Iran's Hormuz blockade and NATO commitments.

Trump's admiration for Charles runs deep, dating to their 2005 meeting when Charles was still Prince of Wales; he has called the king an elegant gentleman and a wonderful, brave man. Their Oval Office discussions—unusually private for the loquacious president—reflected the visit's delicacy, with Trump later deeming Charles a fantastic person.

Charles condemned political violence in his address, vowing that such acts will never succeed, while affirming intertwined US-UK defense and intelligence ties amid rising global threats. A state dinner will cap the day, blending pomp with efforts to mend ties tested by Trump's Iran policy and Starmer's reticence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar